"I hate when you do that!" : a multiple goals perspective of individuals using teasing to change their partner

Date
2019-09-05
Authors
Krawietz, Colton Ellis
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Abstract

Teasing is a pervasive form of communication that has been examined through limited lenses. Within romantic relationships, teasing can hurt a partner, enhance a relationship, or even change the attributes and behaviors of a partner. Little inquiry has acknowledged teasing as a potential strategy to change a partner. This study was conducted for several purposes: (a) to investigate if individuals perceive teasing as a successful strategy to change their partner; (b) to explore if individuals perceive some of their goals as more successful in changing their partner than others; and (c) to test whether and how teasers' perceived success is related to teasing valence and relationship satisfaction. The study surveyed 380 individuals via Mturk—with 260 of those 380 included in the analysis. The results revealed that: (a) individuals perceived their teasing as a relatively successful strategy to change their partner; (b) individuals with identity and relational goals perceived they were more successful in changing their partner than those with instrumental goals; (c) the valence and frequency of individuals’ teasing positively predicted their perceived success; and (d) the valence and perceived success of individuals’ teasing positively predicted their relationship satisfaction. The results were interpreted against previous teasing research, politeness theory, and multiple goals of personal relationships.

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