Explores beliefs about the vocal style that 40 young, 40 middle-aged, and 40 older adults would use in addressing two older targets--one fitting a negative and one a positive stereotype. Reveals a greater tendency to use patronizing talk with the negative than with the positive. Finds the context and age of the communicator also affected messages.…

Combines theoretical insights of communication accommodation theory and the communicative predicament model (CPM) of aging with methodological procedures of interethnic communication. Finds that older communicators in dissatisfying conversations were characterized as being underaccommodative and negatively expressive. Interprets data theoretically…

Describes the compliance-resisting behaviors in selected communication by first-, fourth-, and tenth-grade students. Seeks to assess the development of ability to construct compliance-resisting strategies. (MS)

Examines the quality of communicative interaction and task performance among younger and older women in relation to conversation distance and density. Results indicate that older persons exhibit positive communication behaviors in response to spatial intrusions while younger subjects show the negative, compensatory withdrawal behaviors normally…