Factors that Influence Recipients’ Appraisals of Hurtful Communication

Abstract

Interpersonal relationships provide a context in which hurtful messages are likely to be exchanged. This study examined the factors that influence recipients’ appraisals of hurtevoking messages. Specifically, this investigation examined three types of appraisals individuals make about a comment that hurt their feelings: the extent to which it reflects Concern, provides Comfort, or offers Help. Results revealed that both distal (e.g., relationship satisfaction and closeness) and proximal factors (e.g., message intensity and message hurtfulness) influenced recipients’ appraisals of hurtful statements. Interestingly, the only variable that was consistently a significant predictor of each type of appraisal was message intensity. How a message was stated was pivotal in shaping recipients’ appraisals of it. Given the importance of investigating how people navigate relational transgressions, the findings of the present study shed light on the factors that may help to promote less negative interpretations of hurtful communication in personal relationships.