Abstract
For the last century, composition researchers have provided us with various methods for audience consideration in hopes of dissecting the necessities of proficient writing. However, students of composition continue to be challenged with writer’s blocks and anxiety, even after detailed instruction on process and audience awareness. In this multiple-case-study, Carl G. Jung’s concepts of introversion and extraversion are examined as possible variables that factor into writer’s block and anxiety. Three extraverts and three introverts, who were classified by the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator, completed a questionnaire and an interview, regarding their psychological disposition as they considered their audience in a mock essay assignment. Results imply that students from both attitude spectrums have similar difficulties with audience consideration; however, introverted students may need additional aid in order to overcome their psychological resistance to conformation, psychological civil warfare, and regression. Written as a conference paper to be presented at the 2015 Multicultural Education Conference at California State University, Sacramento, this study provides us with evidence that indicates the need for further research that explores the ambiguous relationship between composition and personality.