Imagined Interactions

Abstract

Imagined interactions are a type of social cognition and mental imagery (→ Cognition; Information Processing), theoretically grounded in symbolic interactionism (→ Symbolic Interaction), in which individuals imagine conversations with significant others for a variety of purposes (Honeycutt 2003). The imagined interaction construct has provided a beneficial mechanism for studying intrapersonal and interpersonal communication (→ Interpersonal Communication). Imagined interactions are a type of daydreaming that has definitive characteristics and serves a number of functions including rehearsal, self‐understanding, relational maintenance, managing conflict, catharsis, and compensation. They often concentrate on ongoing or important events in individuals’ daily lives and are associated with a variety of emotions (Klinger 1990).

An Analysis of the Correspondence Between Imagined Interaction Attributes and Functions

“…According to prominent psychological definitions, mindfulness refers to a quality that involves bringing one's complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis, paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally as well as a nonjudgmental, present-centered awareness in which each thought, feeling, or sensation that arises in the stimulus field is acknowledged and accepted as it is (Bishop et al 2004). Honeycutt (2003) discusses how IIs are mindful activities in which the individual is fully aware of their mental imagery and how he or she can plan messages. Message planning is strategic until individuals are challenged on the viability of their cognitive plans (Berger, 1996).…”

“…. intrapersonal anticipations, expectations, predictions, projections, hopes and forecasting'' (Bruneau, 1989, p. 69) prior to any actual encounters, something that is most likely to happen when using IIs to rehearse or assist in making decisions (Honeycutt, 2003). In contrast, rehearsal IIs, by definition, are much less likely to occur after an actual conversation.…”

Individual Differences in Catharsis, Emotional Valence, Trauma Anxiety, and Social Networks Among Hurricane Katrina and Rita Victims

“…Imagined interactions are based on symbolic interactionism and cognitive script theory as individuals envision themselves in a variety of roles interacting with others. Honeycutt (2009;in press) discussed the functions of IIs including rehearsal, compensation, relational maintenance, self-understanding, conflict management, and catharsis.…”

Effects of Imagined Interactions and Rehearsal on Speaking Performance

“…IIs may be particularly important in coping with CA because of their benefit in helping individuals define situations and reduce uncertainty (Honeycutt, Choi, & Deberry, 2009). Honeycutt (2010) reviews numerous studies detailing how IIs help individuals define views of themselves, others, and situations through the process of rehearsing for future communication interactions.…”

“…A postexperiment survey was constructed using the rehearsal and specificity items from the Survey of Imagined Interactions (SII) (Honeycutt, 2010). The SII was used as a manipulation check to identify whether or not members of both the no rehearsal and rehearsal groups engaged in any type of rehearsal behavior before the exercise began.…”