Date of Graduation
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
Scott A. Myers
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the types of family-targeted hurtful messages used within the romantic relationship; to examine the specific characteristics of the hurtful messages and the amount of hurt that the message elicits; and to identify the types of responses romantic partners use. Participants were 277 undergraduate students enrolled in a communication course at a large mid-Atlantic university. Results indicated (a) romantic partners use six types of family targeted hurtful messages; (b) that intergroup membership does not influence individuals perceptions of the proximal factors of the hurtful message, but does influence individuals perceptions of the distal factors of the hurtful message; and (c) that partners most commonly use active verbal responses in response to the hurtful message. Implication, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Louk, Tyler M., "An intergroup perspective on family targeted hurtful messages used in romantic relationships." (2008). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 11065.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/11065