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The Dynamic Interplay of Interaction Goals, Emotion, and Conflict Styles: Testing a Model of Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Effects on Conflict Styles

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Abstract

This study examines the dynamic interplay of interaction goals, emotion, and conflict styles. Using a three (counterpart conflict styles: competing, integrating, obliging) by two (counterpart emotion: anger, compassion) factorial design, this study seeks to understand the dynamic nature of the conflict process. It also explored a model integrating both intrapersonal and interpersonal effects on conflict styles. Proactive-reactive comparisons reveal both overall changes in interaction goals, emotion, and conflict styles over the course of conflict and specific changes attributable to counterpart emotion and conflict styles. Results also indicate that interpersonal effects of counterpart emotion and conflict styles on one's own reactive conflict styles are largely mediated through intrapersonal processes of reactive emotion and interaction goals.

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... Similar to Bevan's seven-goal typology, these four goals can also be grouped by valence or pro-sociality, and while this typology is predominantly featured in studies that are longitudinal in nature (e.g. Worley & Samp, 2018a;Zhang et al., 2014; these studies are reviewed in a later section), the match between goal valence and conflict tactic use found in cross-sectional work generally holds in longitudinal inquiries. ...
... In an experimental study, Zhang et al. (2014) asked participants to report goals, emotions, and conflict tactics they would enact (labeled 'proactive conflict styles' in the study) upon reading a conflict scenario; researchers then presented them with an experimentally manipulated message and measured their goals, emotions, and tactics (i.e. 'reactive conflict styles') again. ...
... Bevan et al., 2008;Hample & Cionea, 2012;Liu & Roloff, 2015). In addition, empathy or perceived partner emotions, and perceptions of a partner's goals and tactics also impact conflict outcomes (Bevan & Sparks, 2014;Liu & Roloff, 2015;Zhang et al., 2014). Although yet to be studied in the serial argument context, appraisals and perceptions such as goal thwarting and plan failure likely alter the enactment and outcomes of a given episode (Berger, 1997). ...
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Serial arguments are conflict interactions that recur about the same topic, within the same relationship, and without achieving resolution. A consequential form of interpersonal communication, serial arguments have captured over 30 years of research interest, and the knowledge generated about this phenomenon is robust yet scattered. In this essay, we organize this research landscape by reviewing key findings and identifying unanswered questions related to defining and characterizing serial arguments, intrapersonal and interpersonal processes, and within-episode and between-episode dynamics of serial arguments. We then present a roadmap that synthesizes extant literature and advances an agenda for future research on serial arguments. We conclude with a discussion to highlight opportunities for generating new insights into serial arguments.
... It is likely that in the context of an adult child and parent relationship, perceptions of parental behaviors commonly attributed to stubbornness also impact a grown child's daily functioning, specifically his or her daily mood. The communication literature supports this notion that goal conflicts spark emotional responses (Zhang, Andreychik, Sapp, & Arendt, 2014). Additionally, similar work examining demand/withdraw patterns of conflict interaction within marriages and adolescent/parent dyads, whereby one party places an expectation and the other withdraws, also finds negative implications for health (i.e., substance use in adolescents), stress, and mood (Caughlin & Malis, 2004;Malis & Roloff, 2006). ...
... If an adult child and parent share the same goal, there will not be conflict, tension, or perception of "insistence"; the preferred action by the parent simply occurs (Heid, Zarit, & Van Haitsma, 2016). However, when the behavior of the parent does not align with the adult child's goal or expectation, conflict can arise (Zhang et al., 2014), and the parent's behavior can be perceived as "insistent" or "risky"-it is a sequence of behaviors where a disconnect in communication is present in understanding each other's goals. This challenge of navigating such differences in goals is likely trying and may build frustration in the relationship, which results in the experience of a more negative mood for the adult child, as found here. ...
... This challenge of navigating such differences in goals is likely trying and may build frustration in the relationship, which results in the experience of a more negative mood for the adult child, as found here. This finding is consistent with work that documents the impact of relationship tensions on mood and well-being outcomes (Birditt et al., 2011;Birditt & Fingerman, 2003) and conflict on emotional reactivity (Zhang et al., 2014) and further supports the importance of intervening at the level of the relationship to bring about positive well-being changes (i.e., Berg & Upchurch, 2007;McGilton, 2002;Shellenberger, Watkins, & Drake, 1989). Dyadic-based interventions can improve quality of life, family communication, and mental health (Martire, Lustig, Schulz, Miller, & Helgeson, 2004). ...
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... In addition to their volatility and fluidity, emotions are, by nature, socially constructed (Bodtker & Jameson, 2001), occur in response to specific triggering events (Frijda, 1986(Frijda, , 1987Lazarus, 1991), and adapt to the interpersonal effects of partner behavior (Zhang, Andreychik, Sapp, & Arendt, 2014). Moreover, relational offenses and transgressions can also be regarded as a face-threatening conflict process, whereby a partner violates the norms governing the relationship, and the victim experiences face threat or loss, frames situated faces or identities, and enacts facework (Kam & Bond, 2008;Ting-Toomey, 1988, 2005Zhang, Ting-Toomey, Dorjee, & Lee, 2012). ...
... Anger represents the negative emotion associated with displeasure, rage, and irritation (Shaver, Schwartz, Kirson, & O'Connor, 1987), whereas compassion represents the positive emotion associated with empathy, sympathy, and understanding (Liu, 2009;. Emotions in conflict are generally malleable, fluid, and adaptable to the influences of partner behavior and emotions (Zhang, Andreychik et al., 2014). Given that prosocial emotional change is a hallmark of forgiveness (McCullough et al., 2003), it stands to reason to assume one's initial emotional orientation is likely to change over time, with forgiveness evoking more compassion but less anger. ...
... Perceived face threat in transgressions provoke emotional and behavioral responses from the victim, with emotions (e.g., anger) partially mediating the effects on behaviors (e.g., forgiveness or revenge) (Kam & Bond, 2008). The mediation of emotions is also consistently confirmed in previous studies suggesting that the interpersonal effects of partner behavior operate mostly through intrapersonal emotional mechanisms to produce behavioral effects (Zhang, Andreychik et al., 2014;Zhang, Ting-Toomey et al., 2014). Thus, perceived face threat may first arouse emotions, but has direct and mediated effects on forgiveness. ...
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... Researchers link the talk inside a person's head (intrapersonal communication) with other-oriented talk (interpersonal communication) (e.g. Zhang et al., 2014); they show how dyadic and local interaction relates to larger social structures and discourse (e.g. Lutgen-Sandvik et al., 2011). ...
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