Effects of evaluation, task structure, trait‐CA, and reticence on state‐CA and behavioral disruption in dyadic settings

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Abstract
This study investigated the influence of trait communication apprehension and reticence, task structure, and evaluation level on communication behavior and state anxiety. Confederate/participant dyads were videotaped for analysis. Results indicate that trait CA is the strongest predictor of state anxiety. Behavioral disruption was as most strongly predicted by several trait by situational variable interactions. This outcome demonstrates that the effect of task and evaluation is systematically dependent on the trait level within the individual. Results of this study raise serious questions concerning the measurement of reticence.