Identity Implications of Relationship (Re)Definition Goals

Abstract

Identity implications theory (IIT) is applied to analyze how young adults manage identity concerns associated with the goals of initiating, intensifying, and disengaging from romantic relationships. Participants wrote their responses to one of six hypothetical romantic (re)definition scenarios, indicated whether they actually would pursue the relational goal if their scenario were real, and rated degree of threat to both parties' face. Responses were coded for positive and negative politeness strategies. Participants in different relational goal conditions perceived different face threats, varied in their likelihood of pursuing the relational goal, and employed different politeness strategies. Relationship (re)definition goal also moderated associations between perceived face threats and goal pursuit as well as politeness strategies. The findings show how multiple goal theories such as IIT can be applied to situations where relational goals are primary as well as how, to varying degrees, identity concerns shape and constrain how young adults pursue relational (re)definition goals.

Cultural Differences Between Japan and the United States in Uses of “Apology” and “Thank You” in Favor Asking Messages

“…Although these four faces are theoretically distinct, some studies have not differentiated between them (e.g., Kellermann, 2004; Oetzel et al, 2001; Ting-Toomey & Oetzel, 2001). Moreover, even when four faces were measured, some studies have reported no factor analyses (e.g., Cai & Wilson, 2000; Wilson et al, 1998), or principle component analyses (PCA) for separate unidimensionality (e.g., Wilson, Kunkel, Robson, Olufowote, & Soliz, 2009) or multidimensionality (e.g., Johnson, Roloff, & Riffee, 2004). PCA is a procedure for data reduction when a researcher does not want to include all the original measures in analyses and no theoretical knowledge can be incorporated (Park, Dailey, & Lemus, 2002).…”