Variables underlying willingness to communicate: A causal analysis

This study considers the personality‐based sources of Willingness to Communicate (WTC) among the constructs originally identified by Burgoon (communication apprehension, anomie, alienation, introversion, and self‐esteem). The relations among these variables and their contribution to WTC are tested using causal modelling. Results suggest that WTC is caused by a combination of communication apprehension and perceived competence which have their roots in introversion and self‐esteem. Limitations of the WTC construct and implications of the model are discussed.