The effects of type of predicament and embarrassability on remedial responses to embarrassing situations

Is it something I said? Sense of humor and partner embarrassment

“…Past research on the use of humor in response to face threats suggests that humor is used to repair one's own image, not that of a partner (Lampert & Ervin-Tripp, 1998). In fact, Cupach and Metts (1992) note that humor used for facework is unrelated to team embarrassment. However, using self-defeating humor in response to embarrassment caused by threats to couples' joint identity is in concert with the mutually dependent nature of couples' relationship-specific face (Cupach & Metts, 1994).…”

“…Past research on guiltby-association (Fortune & Newby-Clark, 2008) and embarrassment by association (Cupach & Metts, 1992) suggests that a minimal level of association is necessary for the embarrassed person to believe that observers will evaluate the embarrassed person negatively in response to a partner's untoward behavior. Nearly a quarter of circumstances when one partner felt embarrassed by the other resulted from revealing inappropriate or private beliefs, including sexist or bigoted attitudes or those in poor taste (Petronio et al, 1989).…”

Verbal aggression in sibling relationships

“…At times, people tease others in order to embarrass them (Cupach & Metts, 1992). If people get into "trouble" for teasing another, they could always explain that they were only teasing or kidding and that no harm was meant.…”

Turning the Tables of Analysis in Intercultural Communication Research: Studying the Facework Strategies Used by "Anonymous" European American Reviewers

“…Cupach and Metts (1994) asserted that face-threats usually occur when one's desired perceived image in a particular situation is challenged. According toTracy (1990), it is practically impossible for an individual to avoid face-threatening situations.Tracy posited that almost any interaction can be seen as having the potential to be face-threatening.…”

“…There are two types of universal face needs: positive and negative (Brown & Levinson, 1987). Positive face refers to''the desire to be liked and respected by the significant people in our lives'' (Cupach & Metts, 1994, p. 5).Therefore, messages received from others that hold value or appreciation for us help support positive face.When one's''fellowship'' or ''abilities'' are devalued or questioned our positive face is threatened (Cupach & Metts, 1994). Negative face refers to ''the desire to be free from constraint and imposition'' (Cupach & Metts,1994, p. 5).…”