Month/Year of Graduation

12-2022

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dr. Chin-Chung (Joy) Chao

Abstract

This study examines how and if university students’ communication apprehension (CA) within romantic relationships affects their mental health. Inspired by Communication Accommodation Theory, this researcher conducted both a survey and in-depth interviews with undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha to test these relationships and further explore experiences of CA in romantic relationships. The findings of this study reveal that lower levels of CA are positively correlated with a healthier mental status, including overall mental health and self-esteem. In addition, the data indicates that participants do not experience CA except when it comes to sensitive subjects. Employing accommodative behaviors can help overcome this CA, according to the data. These findings suggest that the less apprehensive couples are about communication with their partner, the higher quality their mental health will be.

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