Goal Variability and Perceived Resolvability in Serial Argumentation

Abstract

A fundamental premise of much interpersonal communication scholarship is that communicators' goals may change during the course of interaction. Yet, the implications of these changes remain underexplored. This study examines the associations between goal variability and perceived resolvability of serial arguments. Seventy-five heterosexual romantic couples discussed a current serial argument and reported their interaction goals at 1-minute intervals, using a video-recall method. Within-interaction variability in self-focused and relational goals had positive curvilinear (i.e., U-shaped) associations with at least one partner's perceptions of perceived resolvability in each model tested. This study demonstrates the potential for goal variability to shape global interaction outcomes in the context of relational conflict.

Serial Argument Goals and Changes in Perceived Conflict Resolution: A Dyadic Analysis

“…A related limitation is that all serial argument goals were analyzed within separate, goal-specific models. This one-model-per-goal approach was a statistical necessity given our relatively modest sample size of 75 couples in SEM analyses, and has been utilized in prior research on serial arguments (e.g., Bevan, 2014;Worley & Samp, 2015; see also Bevan & Sparks, 2014). Furthermore, the patterns of results Western Journal of Communication 277 observed were generally in line with theoretical predictions based on goal valence, giving us greater confidence that our results were not substantially limited by examining each goal in a separate model.…”

Initial goals, goal trajectories, and serial argument resolvability: A growth curve analysis

“…The measures reported here are completely distinct from those reported by Worley and Samp (). The goals and perceived resolvability measures were previously published in Worley and Samp (). However, the hypotheses, growth curve framework, and analyses were distinct from those in Worley and Samp (), rendering this study's contribution unique.…”

“…The goals and perceived resolvability measures were previously published in Worley and Samp (). However, the hypotheses, growth curve framework, and analyses were distinct from those in Worley and Samp (), rendering this study's contribution unique. Data are available from T.W.…”

Argument interdependence: Connections to serial argument goals and tactics in romantic relationships

“…For example, Bevan (2014) found that one’s perception of their partner’s conflict goals influenced one’s own conflict tactics. Additionally, Bevan (2014) and Worley and Samp (2016, 2018) found associations between one’s perception of their partner’s conflict behavior and one’s own perception of conflict resolvability. These findings indicate serial arguments behavior is, to a certain extent, interdependent.…”

“…Several recent studies have examined the dynamic nature of serial arguments from a dyadic perspective, based on both partners’ perceptions and behaviors (Bevan, 2014; Worley & Samp, 2016, 2018). For example, Bevan (2014) found that one’s perception of their partner’s conflict goals influenced one’s own conflict tactics.…”