Ruminating about Symbolic Conflict through Imagined Interactions

Abstract

Functional theory, as conceptualized by Dance and Larson [1], provided the framework for examining how individuals utilize imagined interactions to link conflict episodes. Proactive and retroactive functions of imagined interactions were conceptualized as a vehicle through which the mentation function of communication is accomplished. As such, the current study sought to determine the amount of conflict participants reported in their imagined interactions, the reported interaction partners, the amount of conflicts that were linked to one another, the level of the conflict, use of verbally aggressive messages in the imagined interactions, and the amount of physical aggression reported in participants' imagined interactions. Overall, results indicated that behavioral, normative, and personal level conflicts are routinely experienced, symbolically, through imagined interactions. Conflict partners included a variety of individuals, but mainly significant others, friends, and bosses. Moreover, results indicated that individuals use proactive and retroactive imagined interactions to link conflict episodes, and conflictual imagined interactions are characterized, to some degree, by verbally aggressive messages and to a lesser extent by incidents of physical violence.Imagined interactions (IIs) are an intrapersonal communication activity that may be described as a type of self-controlled daydream in which individuals envision themselves in the act of discoursing with others. Working from a symbolic interaction perspective, researchers have linked imagined interaction to 307 Ó 2006, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.

Imagined interactions.

“…IIs are used to manage and link conflict. Individuals relive arguments while simultaneously imagining statements for ensuing encounters (Allen & Berkos, 2005–2006) such that conflict episodes are linked together in memory. Another function of IIs is rehearsing messages.…”

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“…Additionally, the majority (63%) of II partners were significant others, friends, or bosses rather than family members, coworkers, roommates, strangers, or potential partners (Allen & Berkos, 2010). Out of the three types of conflicts (behavioral, normative, and personal), Allen and Berkos (2010) found that most conflicts were either normative or personal, dealing "with the interpersonal norms, values, and attitudes that permeate thinking about interpersonal relationships and the judgments partners make about the relationship and one another" (p. 39). The study also found evidence that IIs are used in both productive and unproductive manners to manage conflict, and that recurring conflicts make up a significant portion of individuals' routine IIs (Allen & Berkos, 2010).…”

“…In their study examining the recurring nature of conflictual IIs, Allen and Berkos (2010) found 41%, nearly half, of their participants’ IIs were conflictual. Additionally, the majority (63%) of II partners were significant others, friends, or bosses rather than family members, coworkers, roommates, strangers, or potential partners (Allen & Berkos, 2010).…”

“…In their study examining the recurring nature of conflictual IIs, Allen and Berkos (2010) found 41%, nearly half, of their participants’ IIs were conflictual. Additionally, the majority (63%) of II partners were significant others, friends, or bosses rather than family members, coworkers, roommates, strangers, or potential partners (Allen & Berkos, 2010). Out of the three types of conflicts (behavioral, normative, and personal), Allen and Berkos (2010) found that most conflicts were either normative or personal, dealing “with the interpersonal norms, values, and attitudes that permeate thinking about interpersonal relationships and the judgments partners make about the relationship and one another” (p. 39).…”

“…Conflict linkage refers to the ways in which one dwells upon arguments and fights and explains “why conflict is enduring, maintained, may be constructive or destructive, and can erupt anytime in interpersonal relationships” (Honeycutt, 2003a, p. 3). According to Allen and Berkos (2010), “recurrent conflicts constitute a significant portion of the IIs that individuals engage in on a routine basis” and are “deep-rooted in intrapersonal and relational issues,” (p. 39).…”