Interpersonal Perception and Communication Satisfaction as a Function of Argumentativeness and Ego-Involvement

This study examined interpersonal perceptions of communication competence and satisfaction in interpersonal situations where controversial issues are discussed. Male and female students, who were either high or low in argumentativeness, argued either high or low ego-involvement topics with male and female opponents who were moderate in argumentativeness. Results supported the hypothesis that dispositional and situational determinants of communication competence are relevant in interpersonal arguments. High argumentatives were viewed as more competent communicators, and communication competence was higher when more ego-involving topics were discussed. Also, results indicated that communication satisfaction was related to communication appropriateness and effectiveness in this argumentative situation. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.