Communication ability as a moderator of cardiovascular reactivity to a speech task

Communication, especially the ability to communicate emotions has been associated with individuals’ ability to cope with stress. Talking with others is a normal and healthy way to cope with upheaval and there is evidence that withholding desires to talk about emotions may have a detrimental effect on health (e.g., Pennebaker, 1989). There is also evidence that people with good communication skills develop stronger and more effective social support networks (Sarason et al., 1985). Self-disclosure is an important factor in enduring friendships, and reciprocal self-disclosure extends and deepens the relationship. However, not everyone establishes mutually rewarding personal relationships, and to a degree, this reflects poor communication (Hargie & Tourish, 1997)