Mediating the Damaging Effects of Hurtful Teasing: Interpersonal Solidarity and Nonverbal Immediacy as Mediators of Teasing in Romantic Relationships

“I know you're kidding”: Relationship closeness enhances positive perceptions of teasing

“…In Study 2, felt closeness caused participants to view a baseline communication from their partner more positively, so the effect of closeness on positive perceptions of interactions is not restricted to teasing. It is nevertheless noteworthy that closeness also enhances perceptions of teasing, given its ambiguity and potential to be viewed as hurtful (Shapiro, Baumeister, & Kessler, ; Sidelinger et al, ). It remains to be seen, however, whether closeness similarly enhances other potentially negative communications, such as criticism.…”

“…Teasing is inherently ambiguous and has the potential to harm relationships (Shapiro et al, 1991;Sidelinger et al, 2012). If interpreted as hurtful, recipients may feel that teasers devalue their relationship and may distance themselves from teasers (Leary, Springer, Negel, Ansell, & Evans, 1998;Vangelisti & Young, 2000).…”

“…This greater overall positivity in closer relationships may help to mitigate the potential harm posed by teasers' and targets' discrepant perceptions of teases. Indeed, in one study, individuals in more satisfied relationships reported that hurtful teasing is less damaging to their relationships (Sidelinger et al, ). It is even possible that greater closeness between teasers and targets reduces the magnitude of the discrepancy between teasers' and targets' perceptions of teases.…”

“…Teasing is interpersonally risky. Even when teasing is positively intentioned, its ambiguous mix of playfulness and provocation can leave recipients with negative impressions and hurt feelings (Keltner, Young, Heerey, Oemig, & Monarch, ; Kowalski, ; Kruger, Gordon, & Kuban, ; Sidelinger, Frisby, & McMullen, ). Indeed, teasing can have a detrimental impact on relationships (Boulton & Hawker, ; Olweus, ; Roberts & Coursol, ; Whitney & Smith, ), but it can also strengthen social bonds, help to resolve conflicts, express affection, or be used to flirt (Keltner et al, ; Keltner, Capps, Kring, Young, & Heerey, ).…”

Communication practices in the US and Syria

“…Displays of immediacy behaviors are enacted through nonverbal communication including close proximity, gazing, smiling, and touching (Hinkle 1999 ). Nonverbal immediacy is also considered to be a pro-social communicative construct (McCroskey et al 2006 ) that plays a significant role in U.S. daily communication interactions (Myers and Ferry 2001 ) and in relationship satisfaction (Sidelinger et al 2012 ). Communicating immediacy promotes intimacy and psychological closeness as well as perceptions of receptivity/trust, similarity, and equality (Myers and Ferry 2001 ).…”