Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2018

Publication Title

Journal of International and Intercultural Communication

First Page

192

Last Page

215

DOI

10.1080/17513057.2018.1450889

Additional Publication URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/17513057.2018.1450889

Abstract

We used R. S. Lazarus’ (Emotion and Adaptation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991) appraisal theory of emotions to propose a theoretical model of anxiety, upon which we built two empirical models centering on intercultural communication apprehension (ICA), distinguished by timing. We tested the models in three samples: Chinese in the US (N = 268), US Americans who studied abroad (N = 419), and US Americans in the US (N = 515). The models achieved good fit. The results showed that during an anticipated or actual intercultural interaction, people had multiple, potentially conflicting goals. The goal-related appraisals of the situation resulted in emotional reactions, such as ICA, as well as coping strategies. ICA and coping further influenced people’s immediacy behaviors and the intention to interact. Our empirical models supported the utility of the theoretical framework for all three samples, and provided advice for practitioners to improve sojourners’ time abroad.

Rights

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Sage Journals in Journal of International and Intercultural Communication on March 23, 2018, available https://doi.org/10.1080/17513057.2018.1450889.

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