Interpretive themes in relational communication

Abstract

This study explored the themes used by married couples, dating couples, relatives, live‐in friends, and non‐live‐in friends to interpret their current relational episodes. One hundred eighteen people participated in fifty‐five report tasks. Among the findings were that dating couples used themes of commitment, fragility, and manipulation, while marital couples, relatives, and live‐in friends used themes of involvement, work, and respect.