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The role of courage in predicting behavior: replication in a public-speaking fearful sample

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Abstract

The definition of courage has been widely debated, though most agree it involves an element of ‘persistence despite fear’. However, even with its correlation to fear and anxiety, courage as a concept has received minimal research in psychology. This study aimed to explore the role of courage in predicting behavior. Twenty-eight participants who indicated during a pre-screening that they feared public speaking completed a measure of courageousness (Courage Measure; CM) undertook a behavioral approach task (BAT) where they gave a short speech on a topic of their choice and were timed. Results indicated that the CM significantly predicted speech duration after controlling for scores on a measure of public speaking fears. Interestingly, and inconsistent with prior studies using the CM, self-reported courage at both the pre-screen and immediately before the BAT both predicted speech duration. Implications for the assessment of courageousness are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

    Melissa L. McKinlay

  2. School of Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy, Cairnmillar Institute, 391-393 Tooronga Rd., Hawthorn East, Victoria, 3123, Australia

    Peter J. Norton

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  1. Melissa L. McKinlay
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  2. Peter J. Norton
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Correspondence to Peter J. Norton.

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McKinlay, M.L., Norton, P.J. The role of courage in predicting behavior: replication in a public-speaking fearful sample. Motiv Emot 47, 1–6 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-022-09967-w

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