The present investigation sought to advance Psychological Reactance Theory (PRT) by examining whether trait reactance and sensation seeking influence the magnitude of a perceived threat, state reactance, and reactance restoration. Results revealed that high trait reactant (HTR) and low trait reactant (LTR) individuals and high sensation seekers…

The effects of the attitudinal, normative, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) components of the theory of planned behavior and personal- and societal-level descriptive and injunctive norms were investigated with regard to their impact on the intent to enroll on a state organ-donor registry and the intent to engage in family discussion about…

Drawing upon construal level theory, this research investigates the influence of social distance on individuals' responses to persuasive messages. Experiment 1 (N = 133) demonstrates that the persuasive impact of a gain frame becomes stronger when people make judgments for socially distant (e.g., others) versus proximal entities (e.g., selves). On…

Virtual environments, such as online games and web-based chat rooms, increasingly allow us to alter our digital self-representations dramatically and easily. But as we change our self-representations, do our self-representations change our behavior in turn? In 2 experimental studies, we explore the hypothesis that an individual's behavior conforms…

Examines effects of the availability and use of nonverbal information on the detection of deception. Results indicate that the amount of information, both total and nonverbal, does not predict accuracy in detecting deception. Suggests that an interaction between use of nonverbal and verbal information occurs when observers make veracity judgments.…

Examines how strategic communication is linked to specific relational features. Finds that integrative strategies were positively linked to competence, whereas distributive and avoidant strategies were negatively linked to competence. Supports the view that competence perceptions mediate the link between conflict messages and relational outcomes.…

Describes a theory of reinterpretation assessment that explores the relationship between second-guessing and the use of social information-gathering tactics. Tests four principles on which this theory is based, concerning the effects of motivational, cognitive, and practical antecedents on the tactics employed by social actors to improve…

Views proxemics literature from a theoretical framework based on norms and expectations and presents a model for predicting effects of violations of proxemic expectations. (MH)

Reports the theoretical development and testing of a causal model of communication patterns of foreign immigrants in the process of acculturation. (Author)

Proposes and tests a model of the relationship between beliefs and behavioral intentions based on a mathematical probability theory. (MH)

"Provides a theoretical perspective for dealing with the initial entry stage of interpersonal interaction. The seven axioms and twenty one theorems presented suggest a set of research priorities for studying the development of interpersonal relationships." Journal available from: Human Communication Research, International Communication…

Reports the results of three separate studies designed to test hypotheses about the effects of language intensity on attitude change. See CS 703 560 for availability. (MH)

Demonstrates the value of the concept of social cost in analyzing the cognitive processes underlying the encoding of convergent speech acts. (MH)