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Talkaholic Scale
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About Talkaholic Scale
Scale Name
Talkaholic Scale
Author Details
James C. McCroskey and Virginia P. Richmond
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Talkaholic Scale is a psychometric tool developed by James C. McCroskey and Virginia P. Richmond to identify individuals who exhibit compulsive communication behaviors, commonly referred to as “talkaholism.” This scale measures the tendency to engage in excessive talking, which can impact interpersonal relationships and communication effectiveness.
The Talkaholic Scale consists of 16 self-report items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” It assesses various aspects of communicative behavior, including the inability to remain silent, the compulsion to express opinions, and the recognition of one’s own excessive talking habits. The scale is utilized in both research and clinical settings to better understand the implications of compulsive communication and to develop strategies for managing such behaviors.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a copy of the Talkaholic Scale from reputable academic sources or publications.
- Explain the purpose of the assessment to the participant, emphasizing its role in identifying compulsive communication behaviors.
- Provide clear instructions on how to complete the questionnaire, ensuring the participant understands each item.
- Inform the participant that the assessment typically takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the scale in a quiet, comfortable environment to facilitate honest and thoughtful responses.
Reliability and Validity
The Talkaholic Scale has demonstrated strong internal consistency, with a reported Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92, indicating high reliability. Test-retest reliability over a 13-week interval yielded a coefficient of 0.76, suggesting stability over time. The scale’s validity is supported by its unidimensional structure and its ability to distinguish between individuals with varying levels of compulsive communication tendencies. Research has shown that higher scores on the Talkaholic Scale correlate with increased verbal activity and a greater likelihood of dominating conversations.
Available Versions
16-Items
Reference
McCroskey, J. C., & Richmond, V. P. (1993). Identifying compulsive communicators: The talkaholic scale. Communication Research Reports, 10(2), 107-114.
McCroskey, J. C., & Richmond, V. P. (1995). Correlates of compulsive communication: Quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Communication Quarterly, 43(1), 39-52.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Talkaholic Scale?
The Talkaholic Scale is designed to assess compulsive communication behaviors, identifying individuals who may engage in excessive talking.
Who can administer the Talkaholic Scale?
The scale can be administered by researchers, clinicians, or educators interested in evaluating communication patterns.
Is the Talkaholic Scale suitable for all age groups?
While primarily used with adults, the scale may be adapted for younger populations with appropriate modifications.
How is the Talkaholic Scale scored?
Scores are calculated by summing responses to specific items, with higher scores indicating a greater tendency toward compulsive talking.
Can the Talkaholic Scale be used in different cultural contexts?
The scale has been primarily validated in English-speaking populations; cross-cultural adaptations should be undertaken with caution.
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