Abstract
Despite being the dominant perspective for understanding how messages are produced in interpersonal communication, multiple goals theories of communication have not been prominent in relationship scholarship. In this article, I argue that multiple goals theories can be adapted to provide important insights into communication and relational outcomes (e.g., satisfaction). To illustrate the utility of this perspective, I summarize three sets of studies from my research program and conclude that a multiple goals perspective can enrich both relationship and message production scholarship. In particular, a multiple goals perspective provides a counterpoint to some overly simplistic conceptualizations of relational interaction and highlights important research questions that are rarely addressed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 824-848 |
Number of pages | 25 |
Journal | Journal of Social and Personal Relationships |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- avoidance
- communication
- goals
- message production
- relational satisfaction
- relationships
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Communication
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science