Rational restructuring and relaxation training in the treatment of communication apprehension /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Elkins, Gary Ray, 1952-
Other Authors: Barker, Donald G. (degree committee member.), LeUnes, Arnold (degree committee member.), Reilley, Robert R. (degree committee member.)
Format: Thesis Book
Language:English
Published: 1980.
Subjects:
Online Access:ProQuest, Abstract
Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Abstract:The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of rational restructuring combined with self-control relaxation training, rational restructuring alone, and no treatment in reducing communication apprehension. Too, the study aimed to ascertain whether the effect generalized to a nontargeted anxiety (fear of negative evaluation). A third objective was to examine how the treatment influenced assertive behavior. Subjects consisted of 38 undergraduate students enrolled in educational psychology classes at Texas A&M University. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: (Group 1) rational structuring combined with relaxation training; (Group 2) rational restructuring alone; or (Group 3) no treatment control. Dependent measure were self-reports obtained using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA), the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE), and the College Self-Expression Scale (CSES). Also, friend-ratings of the subjects' communication apprehension was obtained using the PRCA (PRCA-F). All participants completed the assessment devices before and after the six-week treatment phase. Analysis of change scores was done by an analysis of covariance. Scheffé contrasts of the means were performed when significant F-rations were obtained. The rational restructuring alone group demonstrated significant reduction in self-rated communication apprehension over the no-treatment control but was less effective than the combined treatment. The result indicated that self-control relaxation training adds appreciably to rational restructuring and is an effective adjunct treatment in reducing communication apprehension. The combined treatment also led to significant decreases in friend-rated levels of communication apprehension over the rational restructuring alone and no-treatment groups. However, the ration restructuring alone group did not differ significantly from the no-treatment control group...
Item Description:Typescript (photocopy).
Vita.
"Major subject: Educational Psychology."
Physical Description:x, 67 leaves ; 29 cm
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-52).