Testing Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory across Hispanic-Non-Hispanic Barriers

William Gudykunst’s Anxiety and Uncertainty Management Theory seeks to understand the factors that influence the effectiveness of intercultural communication. This study examines AUM theory in the context of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic interaction by assessing levels of anxiety, uncertainty, intercultural interaction confidence and intercultural willingness to communicate experienced by Non-Hispanic students in regards to communicating with Hispanic individuals. Anxiety’s correlation with confidence and willingness to communicate suggests that intercultural communication across Hispanic-Non-Hispanic barriers may be more influenced by emotional factors than cognitive