Indicates that individualism-collectivism is related systematically to perceptions of communication in ingroup relationships, but its relationship to perceptions of communication on outgroup relationships is more complicated--a distinction between contextual and simple collectivism must be drawn. (NKA)

Indicates that perceived rational communication between physicians and patients is strongly related to affective, cognitive, and behavioral satisfaction. Also indicates more expressions of receptivity, immediacy, composure, similarity, and formality and less dominance by the physician are associated with greater patient satisfaction. (NKA)

Reports two studies probing the link between speech anxiety and positive thinking. Finds that there is a correlation between communication anxiety and positive and negative thoughts; and the use of visualization lowered self-reported speech anxiety and increased the proportion of positive to negative thoughts. (MS)

Compares American and French business correspondence with regard to format, organization, tone, and style. Argues that many of the differences result from cultural and value differences, French letters tending to be more formal and formatted differently. (RAE)

Examines voters' evaluative structures used in making decisions about political candidates, specifically regarding election level and candidates' incumbent-challenger status. Concludes that incumbent positioning affects perceptual criteria formation for candidates. Reports that voting behavior predictions can be made when candidate idiosyncracies…

Examines the interpersonal relationship between Robert Michel, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and William F. Gavin, his speechwriter, and how that relationship structures and defines the speechwriting process. (RS)

The relationship between various acculturation indicators and the time spent by Koreans watching television were studied. Those who had watched much television in Korea tended to do so in the United States and they tended to be more acculturated. Watching Korean language programs helped viewers to remember their traditional cultural values. (VM)

Discusses efforts to develop and validate an instrument that could be used to ascertain the motives individuals have for interpersonal communication. Results indicate six prominent motives, namely: (1) pleasure, (2) affection, (3) inclusion, (4) escape, (5) relaxation, and (6) control. (JAD)

Assesses individuals' fear and enjoyment reactions to horror films, applying theories of cognition and affect that predict emotional responses to a stimulus on the basis of prior affect toward specific cues included in that stimulus. (MM)

Examines whether communicative competence influences perceived task, social, and physical attractiveness. Results indicated that communicative competence accounted for 17 percent, 14 percent and 8 percent of the variance in perceived task, social, and physical attractiveness, respectively. (MM)

Offers a new theory of explanatory discourse intended to guide analysis of and stimulate improvement in explanations designed for the mass audience. Identifies research literature relevant to improving the quality of written explanations, organizes findings on effectiveness that resolve controversies in the literature, and suggests principles for…

Discusses the results of a study addressing the issue of whether writers are aware of the distinction between real and implied readers. Presents several questions for investigation, including (1) "Does a writer's way of perceiving a reader affect contextual development?" and (2) "Do shifts occur in writers' conceptions of…

Results suggest that communication competence and empathy reflect or are composed of the same set of skills or behaviors. (PD)

Indicates that younger married couples were both more communicative and satisfied than younger cohabiting couples or older married or cohabiting couples. Suggests that verbal and sexual communication practices of intimates are influenced more by their chronological age than by whether they are married or cohabiting. (JD)

Analyzes case arguments that evolved during a ten-hour teacher's bargaining session. Indicates that case type changed through offering counterproposals, clashing on issues, and shifting arguments for and against a proposal. Reveals patterns of case development indicating which issues were resolved through problem solving as opposed to compromises…