Imagined Interaction, Conversational Sensitivity and Communication Competence

Abstract

This research explores the relationship between imagined interaction dimensions [1], conversational sensitivity dimensions [2], and communication competence [3]. Results of a study reveal features of imagined interaction predicting both conversational sensitivity and self-reported communication competence. Mental experiences of communication (i.e., imagined interaction) are thought to activate sensitivity to conversations and to provide knowledge structures for competent interaction. A path analysis revealed the mediating role of overall conversational sensitivity leading to communication competence.A number of communication researchers are intrigued with the verbal and nonverbal characteristics of skilled or competent communicators in a variety of situations [4-6]. Self-report instruments of communication competence have asked for reports about various communicative behaviors such as self-disclosure, sending "clear" verbal/nonverbal messages and being persuasive [3]. However, little is known about communication competence from an intrapersonal communication and social cognitive perspective, although some theorists have suggested that effective communicators rely on implicit knowledge structures that prepare them for anticipated communication encounters [7]. In addition, Berger 139

Analysis of Functions of Talk and Reports of Imagined Interactions (Us) During Engagement and Marriage

“…Communication reinforces negative emotions in unhappy marriages and accents positive affect in happy marriages. Unhappy couples use fewer positive behaviors and more negative behaviors than do happy couples (Krokoff, Gottman, & Hass, 1989). Although these conclusions may seem mundane, they are more counterintuitive when they also apply to innocuous discussion of events of the day, as opposed to discussing major complaints in the marriage.…”

A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Imagined Interactions

“…Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) has continued to support the dimensions of IIs that were originally identified in earlier studies (Honeycutt et al, 1989, 1992). They reported eight characteristics (frequency, dominance, valence, discrepancy, proactivity, retroactivity, variety, specificity).…”

“…II valence was also positively correlated with II frequency for the Thai and American participants. Given that research informs us that chronically lonely individuals lack II frequency (Honeycutt et al, 1989) and that pleasant IIs can elicit positive moods whereas negative IIs can bring forth negative affect (Honeycutt et al, 1992), it would seem that frequent interaction with (significant) others may have a significant role to play in promoting positive mental health.…”

“…For example, when individuals imagine encounters, their internal images may be congruent (i.e., nondiscrepant) or different (i.e., discrepant) from what actually occurs in real encounters. With American samples, discrepancy is positively associated with loneliness (Kroll‐Mensing, 1992) and eavesdropping enjoyment (Honeycutt, 2003), and negatively associated with communicative competence (Honeycutt, Zagacki, & Edwards, 1992).…”

Effects of Imagined Interactions and Rehearsal on Speaking Performance

“…Specificity aids in greater recall of the II and can contain visual (scene of the II) and verbal imagery including descriptive contexts and distinct wording. Observations reported by Honeycutt, Zagacki, and Edwards (1993) revealed that the level of detail in IIs positively predicted several dimensions of conversational sensitivity including the ability to detect meanings in another's messages, conversational memory and Procedure. The sample was randomly divided into the rehearsal and no rehearsal groups.…”