The Effect of Relational Intimacy and Comforting Message Type on Perceptions of Mood, Empowerment, and Rumination

• In Event: Mood as a Predictor and Outcome of Communicatioin Processes in Relationships

Abstract

Relational intimacy interacts with comforting message type to affect perceived outcomes of rumination, empowerment, and mood. Participants read a scenario depicting a breakup that was either low or high in intimacy. After telling a friend about the breakup, the friend responds with a comforting message. The receiver subsequently reported attitudes regarding perceived message outcomes. These data reveal main effects for message type, trivial or non-existent main effects for relational intimacy, and trivial interaction effects.

Authors

• Jessica Catherine Russell, California State University, Sacramento

• Joseph James Hanson, California State University, Sacramento

• Kimo Ah Yun, California State University, Sacramento

• Lisa L. Massi Lindsey, Naval Postgraduate School