Eysenck's BIG THREE and communication traits: three correlational studies

• Published in: Communication monographs Vol. 68; no. 4; pp. 360 - 366
• Main Authors: McCroskey, James, Heisel, Alan, Richmond, Virginia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01.12.2001; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Aggression; Assertiveness; Biology; College Students; Communication Research; Extraversion Introversion; Eysenck (Hans J); Factor Analysis; Higher Education; Interpersonal Communication; Neurosis; Personality; Personality Traits; Psychosis; Studies
• ISSN: 0363-7751; 1479-5787
• DOI: 10.1080/03637750128068

Over the past decade, communication scholars have increasingly considered biological contributions to the ways in which we communicate. One approach to exploring the links between biology and communication involves analysis of relationships between communication variables and variables containing strong biological underpinnings. The present study was designed to provide an examination of the relationship between Eysenck's personality dimensions and communication variables. This essay reports the results of three separate studies that encompass more than a dozen communication variables. The results seem to indicate that non-neurotic extraverts are not shy or apprehensive about touch, tend to perceive themselves as more competent, view themselves as assertive and responsive, and express greater degrees of self-acceptance. Neurotic introverts report apprehension about communication, perceive themselves as less immediate, rate themselves as having a lower affect orientation, and somewhat higher levels of verbal aggressiveness. Neurotic participants report less self-acceptance. Neurotic non-psychotics report a greater degree of affect orientation, more apprehension about communication, and lower verbal aggression. Neurotic psychotic extraverts tend to be compulsive communicators and report greater tolerance for disagreement. Psychotics are non-responsive, and tend to report higher levels of verbal aggressiveness, argumentativeness and assertiveness. Finally, psychotic non-neurotics tend to have a greater tolerance for disagreement and are less likely to identify themselves as compulsive communicators. Possible directions for future research are suggested.