Social Allergens in the Workplace: Exploring the Impact of Emotion, Perception of the Allergen, and Repair Work on Confrontation Frequency and Relational Well-Being

• In Event: Investigating the Darkside: Aggression and Conflict in Relationships

Abstract

This paper extends current research on social allergens to workplace relationships. Through questionnaires, undergraduate students indicated that anger and disgust predict confrontations about the allergen. Perceiving allergens as intentional and personally directed also predicted confrontations about the allergen and perceptions of relational damage. Apologies and other repair efforts were associated with less relational damage. This indicates individuals strive to maintain workplace relationships despite social allergens, possibly due to the often involuntary nature of these relationships.

Authors

• Courtney Waite Miller, Elmhurst College

• Rachel Reznik, Elmhurst College