More f#!%ing rudeness: reliable personality predictors of verbal rudeness and other ugly confrontational behaviors

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to (1) to identify personality variables that reliably predict verbal rudeness ( i.e by replicating previous findings) and (2) to investigate what personality variables predict more general ugly confrontational behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – In Study 1, the authors used an online survey to collect information regarding individual differences in social desirability, self-esteem, narcissism, blirtatiousness, behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, conventional morality (CM), thin-skinned ego defensiveness (TSED), affect intensity for anger and frustration (AIAF), and verbal rudeness. In Study 2, the authors used a similar online survey to collect the same information, but extended the survey questionnaire to include measures of entitlement, psychopathology, Machiavellianism, and a retrospective checklist of ugly confrontational behaviors. Findings – In Study 1, regression analyses revealed that CM, behavioral inhibition, and behavioral activation reward responsiveness were significant negative predictors of rudeness. AIAF, TSED and behavioral activation drive were significant positive predictors of rudeness. In Study 2, regression analyses revealed that CM was again a significant negative predictor of rudeness. AIAF, and narcissism were significant positive predictors of rudeness. CM also negatively predicted ugly confrontational behaviors, whereas AIAF, blirtatiousness, and Machiavellianism were positive predictors. Originality/value – Although several measures of aggression exist, the current studies of rudeness and ugly confrontational behavior specifically assess tendencies to abuse strangers. These studies begin to establish a personality profile of the type of person that might abuse strangers.

Behavioral validation of the rudeness scale: evidence from retrospective and prospective research

“…Then, to explore the specific traits that define the personality of the dispositionally rude individual, they conducted a study in which several personality measures were used to predict participants' scores on the RS. The results of this study, plus two additional ones (Park et al, 2014), converged in showing that three traits appear to be central to the personality of dispositionally rude individuals. First, they score low in their adherence to conventional morality, believing that the moral rules that apply to others simply do not apply to them.…”

“…Upon accessing the survey, the participants first provided their consent online then answered a set of demographic questions regarding their gender, race/ethnicity, and age. The rest of the survey contained the shortened social desirability scale (Strahan and Gerbasi, 1972), the RS (Ickes et al, 2012), and the retrospective checklist of ugly confrontational behaviors (CUCB) (Park et al, 2014). All respondents viewed the survey items in the same order and were unable to view upcoming pages or to return to change their answers to previous items.…”

When Brokerage Between Friendship Cliques Endangers Trust: A Personality–Network Fit Perspective

“…People high in blirtatiousness are easier to get to know because their good and bad characteristics are amplified (Swann & Rentfrow, 2001). However, blirtatiousness can lead to impulsive verbal outbursts, particularly in response to provocation (Park, Ickes, & Robinson, 2014). Because blirtatiousness amplifies individuals' reactions, it is easier for third parties to infer negative emotional states, including irritation, of high than of low blirters (Swann & Rentfrow, 2001: 1172.…”

“Let me have a seat and see what's going on in this class”: Perspectives of Early Childhood Teachers about Parental Confrontation

“…According to Park, Ickes, and Robinson (2014), confrontational behaviors are "intense, unpleasant, and often unexpected" (p.26). Although a collaboration between parents and teachers is desired in preschool settings, both counterparts might sometimes demonstrate confrontational behaviors.…”

“…Although a collaboration between parents and teachers is desired in preschool settings, both counterparts might sometimes demonstrate confrontational behaviors. These behaviors bear the potential to grow into physical or verbal aggression (Park et al, 2014) and damage interpersonal relationships between parents and teachers. In the present study, the perspectives of teachers toward confrontational behaviors of parents were examined.…”