Adrianne Kunkel

Researching interpersonal relationships : qualitative methods, studies, and analysis

Preface Introduction: Embracing a Full Spectrum of Interpersonal Communication Research 1. Understanding Personal Relationships through an Interpretivist-Oriented Lens 2. Method and Analysis in Qualitative Relationships Research 3. Interviews, Emotion Coding, and a Family Communication Study 4. Focus Groups, Values Coding, and a Romantic Relationships Study 5. Open-Ended Surveys, Taxonomic Coding, and a Friendship Study 6. Ethnography, Dramaturgical Coding, and a Sexuality Study 7. Discourse Analysis, Thematic Analysis, and a Study of Computer-Mediated Communication 8. Narrative Inquiry, Crystallization, and a Study of Workplace Relationships 9. Writing and Presenting Qualitative Interpersonal Communication Studies References Index

Identity implications of influence goals: Initiating, intensifying, and ending romantic relationships

The current work explores the generalizability of a revised analysis of face and facework (Wilson, Aleman, & Leatham, 1998) by investigating the potential face threats that concern young adults as they seek to initiate, intensify, or end romantic relationships. Participants in Study 1 (N = 141 students) read three hypothetical scenarios in which they might attempt to (re)define a romantic relationship, and responded to open‐ended questions regarding both parties’ identity concerns and emotions. Emergent themes were utilized to develop a questionnaire assessing the extent to which participants in Study 2 (N = 274 students) associated unique potential face threats with initiating, intensifying, or ending romantic relationships, and varied what they said when pursuing these three goals in light of relevant potential face threats. Results indicated that people associate very specific sets of potential face threats with each of the three romantic (re)definition goals. This research advances understanding of how individuals utilize face‐management strategies in romantic relationships and offers directions for future research.

Grief consolation in eulogy rhetoric: an integrative framework.

In an ever more deadly and uncertain world, rhetoric honoring the deceased is still examined as though that was its primary, if not only, function. Some critics of eulogia also identify the consolation of survivors but rarely define it precisely or analyze its rhetorical execution. This article introduces a framework for the critical analysis and production of eulogia that draws from comforting mechanisms recognized in the interpersonal communication, social psychology, and grief therapy literatures. Self-disclosure, problem-focused coping, positive reappraisal, and the affirmation and continuation of relationships with the deceased are shown to inform criticism of five contemporary eulogies. Challenges inherent in the invention and appreciation of eulogy rhetoric are thus illuminated and addressed.

Which Comforting Messages Really Work Best? A Different Perspective on Lemieux and Tighe's “Receiver Perspective”

This article responds critically to a recent article by Lemieux and Tighe (Communication Research Reports, 21, 144–153, 2004) in which the authors conclude that recipients of comforting efforts prefer messages that exhibit a moderate rather than high level of person centeredness. It is argued that an erroneous assumption made by Lemieux and Tighe about the status of “receiver perspective” research on the comforting process led to faulty interpretations of the data and unwarranted conclusions about recipient preferences regarding comforting messages. Alternative interpretations of Lemieux and Tighes data are presented; these are guided by the extensive previous research that has assessed evaluations and outcomes of comforting messages.

“Let’s (Not) Talk About That”: Bridging the Past Sexual Experiences Taboo to Build Healthy Romantic Relationships

Research has shown that individuals in romantic relationships often avoid discussing past sexual experiences. To ascertain whether past relationships and past sexual experiences were considered to be “taboo,” 102 individuals involved in romantic relationships were asked to list the topics that they were reluctant to discuss with their partners. As past relationships and past sexual experiences were reported as topics often avoided, responses to an open-ended questionnaire were coded to determine: (a) the reasons individuals give for avoiding talk about past sexual experiences and (b) whether there are sex differences in how often those reasons appeared in responses. In descending order of prevalence, respondents reported that they tend to avoid discussing past sexual experiences due to four main concerns: (a) belief that the past should be kept in the past, (b) identity issues, (c) perceived threats to their relationships, and (d) emotionally upsetting feelings. Men and women displayed extreme similarity in the frequency with which they indicated particular reasons for avoidance. Data-inspired suggestions for individuals hoping to elicit discussion of past sexual experiences with partners are offered.

Explaining sex differences in the evaluation of comforting messages: The mediating role of interaction goals

The current study hypothesized that sex differences in evaluations of comforting messages could be accounted for in terms of the extent to which people indicated they would pursue affectively oriented versus instrumentally oriented goals in support situations. Participants (N = 292; 165 men and 127 women) completed (a) an interaction goals task that assessed the pursuit of affectively oriented and instrumentally oriented goals in emotional support situations, and (b) a message evaluation task that assessed perceptions of the sensitivity and effectiveness of 27 comforting messages that varied in level of “person centeredness.”; Consistent with expectations, females evaluated the comforting messages in a manner significantly more consistent with Applegates (1980) theoretical hierarchical ordering of person centeredness than did males. More important, the likelihood of pursuing affectively oriented goals mediated the connection between sex and perceptions of message sensitivity and effectiveness.

Making meaning of meaning-making research Using qualitative research for studies of social and personal relationships*

Qualitative research continues to have a larger presence in the interdisciplinary field of relationship studies. This essay presents the basic tenets of interpretive theory, the basis for many qualitative relationship studies, as well as four revelations that can occur from examining data through a qualitative lens. It also introduces the essays included in, “Qualitative studies of relationships: Prevailing norms and exciting innovations,” a special issue of the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

Problematic Integration Theory, Appraisal Theory, and the Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group

Problematic integration (Babrow, 1992) and appraisal (Lazarus, 1991) theories are utilized to analyze the beneficial coping and social support produced within the discourse of Bosom Buddies, a breast cancer support group. Transcripts of eight weekly group meetings were coded for assessments of the probabilities and evaluations of outcomes, information seeking, and information avoidance, as well as for positive reappraisal, problem-focused coping, sense making (Harber & Pennebaker, 1992), and emotional disclosure (Pennebaker, 1997). Results indicated that all constructs other than information avoidance, especially those drawn from problematic integration theory, were employed regularly. Most constructs were prevalent in these real-time interactive conversations. Practical applications of the constructs are recommended for breast cancer support group members and facilitators.

Tell Me Sweet (And Not-So-Sweet) Little Lies: Deception in Romantic Relationships

Deception undoubtedly plays a complex role in romantic relationships. While honesty and openness are desirable traits among romantic partners, partners may nonetheless use deception in order to meet personal or relational goals. This study provides a richer understanding of the extent to which deception is used in romantic relationships and the common motives for deceiving partners. The diary-based, qualitative responses of 67 participants were examined for instances of, and reasons for, deception. Results revealed the nuanced and sometimes contradictory nature of deception in romantic relationships as participants reported that they use deception as a means to maintain the relationship, to manage face needs, to negotiate dialectical tensions, and to establish relational control, and also that they perceive deception to function in both positive and negative ways.

FALLEN HEROES, LIFTED HEARTS: CONSOLATION IN CONTEMPORARY PRESIDENTIAL EULOGIA

A. D. Kunkel and M. R. Dennis (2003) demonstrated that examining texts for identified components of eulogia, as drawn from the comforting and social support paradigms found in psychology and communication literatures (i.e., credibility establishment, praise for the deceased, self-disclosure of emotion, prescriptions for problem-focused coping, promotion of positive reappraisal for emotion-focused coping, and the affirmation and continuation of relationships), is critical to understanding eulogistic phenomena. Analysis of three Presidential eulogies, as informed by the components, reveals calls for unity in President Ronald Wilson Reagans 1986 eulogy for the Challenger space shuttle crew, suggestions for action in President William Jefferson Clintons 1995 eulogy for USS Cole sailors, and positive reappraisal within astronauts’ quotes offered by President George Walker Bush during his 2003 eulogy for the Columbia space shuttle crew.