Explores the relationship between family communication patterns and reticence. Reveals that reticent individuals reported a significantly lower level of conversation orientation within their families than members of a comparison group. (SG)

Investigates the effect of reticence on college students' use of electronic mail to communication with faculty. Notes the difference in the frequency of using electronic mail by reticent and non-reticent students. Considers how reticent students prefer to use electronic mail over speaking to faculty at their offices. (SG)

Presents a follow-up study to further assess the extent to which reticent participants subscribe to beliefs outlined in prior research and to further test the ability of the Penn State program to alter those beliefs. Reveals significant pretreatment differences between reticent and comparison group participants on 7 of 16 beliefs. Shows…

Presents a theoretical statement on the nature of reticence that affirms, in part, Gerald M. Phillips' conceptualization in prior research but, grounded in new empirical data, refines and revises the construct. Proposes a new definition and a six-component model of reticence. Discusses theoretical and treatment implications. (SR)

Offers a synopsis of M. Beatty and J. McCroskey's 1998 reconceptualization of communication apprehension via the communibiological paradigm. Examines possible treatment implications of this model of communication anxiety for teachers of speech communication, particularly of public speaking. Advances pedagogical strategies, based upon the premise…

Describes a college-level skills training program for reticent communicators. Details major aspects of the program, including recruiting students for training, screening students for admission to the program, training instructors, and organizing and teaching the course. (MS)

Results of the study suggested that the four measurement instruments of communication problems are not capable of discriminating students with communication problems from students without. Concluded that what may be most important in distinguishing the two groups is whether or not persons perceive their uncomfortable feelings about communication…

Examines the effectiveness of rhetoritherapy as a treatment for individuals with communication difficulties. Finds that performance-based communication training is effective in decreasing communication apprehension and problems communicating and in increasing other-perceived talkativeness. Reports that rhetoritherapy may be a more effective…

Finds that the Pennsylvania State University Reticence Program (compared to a control condition) is effective in reducing self-reported shyness and communication apprehension and is more effective than a performance-based public speaking communication course. (SR)