Relational uncertainty predicting appraisals of face threat in courtship: Integrating uncertainty reduction theory and politeness theory

Leanne K. Knobloch, Kristen L. Satterlee, Stephen M. DiDomenico

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article combines uncertainty reduction theory and politeness theory to deduce hypotheses about how relational uncertainty may predict appraisals of face threat. Participants were 273 individuals who (a) reported on relational uncertainty; (b) simulated leaving a voice mail message for their dating partner to address the assigned goal of catching up, sharing information, giving comfort, or receiving comfort; and (c) evaluated the face threats of their message. As expected, relational uncertainty was positively associated with appraisals of face threat, and it was negatively associated with the extremity of appraisals of face threat, even after judges' ratings of face management strategies were covaried. The article closes by discussing the implications for understanding relational uncertainty, politeness, and appraisals of face threat.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)303-334
Number of pages32
JournalCommunication Research
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010

Keywords

  • Courtship
  • Face threat
  • Politeness
  • Relational uncertainty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Communication
  • Linguistics and Language

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