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Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 23, No. 6, 943-963 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407506070476

Relational quality and communicative responses following hurtful events in dating relationships: An expectancy violations analysis

Guy Foster Bachman

California State University Long Beach

Laura K. Guerrero

Arizona State University, gbachman{at}csulb.edu

The present study uses expectancy violations theory to investigate hurtful events, relational quality, and communication in dating relationships. Participants (N = 263) described a hurtful behavior performed by their dating partner and recalled their reaction to that behavior. When respondents evaluated the hurtful event as a highly negative expectancy violation and judged their partner as unrewarding, they were more likely to report breaking up, being less satisfied and committed, and using destructive rather than constructive communication. Individuals who were deeply hurt reported being slightly less likely to break up, more likely to be satisfied and committed, and more likely to use both constructive and destructive communication. Finally, victims who perceived their partners’ actions as intentional were more likely to report using destructive communicative responses.

Key Words: break-up • commitment • communication • expectancy violations • hurtful events • hurtful messages • relational satisfaction • rewards • uncertainty

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R. M. McLaren and D. H. Solomon
Appraisals and Distancing Responses to Hurtful Messages
Communication Research, June 1, 2008; 35(3): 339 - 357.
[Abstract] [PDF]

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