The Impact of Multiple Goals and Discrete Emotions

• In Event: High-Density: 2014 Interpersonal Potpourri

Abstract

The attitudes toward, and engagement in, difficult family conversations, characterized by uncertainty about the receiver’s emotional response and outcomes for the relationship, are investigated. Multiple goals and discrete action tendency emotions provide the framework for the current study. The multiple goals of influence, identity, interaction, relational resource, personal resource, and affect management and the discrete action tendency emotions of happiness, compassion, hope, pride, relief, anger disgust, fear, sadness, and guilt were assessed to determine how they impact attitudes toward, and engagement in, difficult family conversations. Attitudes were positively associated with hope and interaction goals and negatively associated with disgust and arousal management goals. Conversational engagement was negatively associated with happiness and hope showing evidence for positive state preservation consistent with models from mass media and persuasion research.

Authors

• Sandi W Smith, Michigan State U

• Jennifer Cornacchione, Michigan State U

• David M Keating, Fors Marsh Group

• Jessica Russell, Califorinia State University, Long Beach