Managing Information about a Romantic Partner's Relationship History: An Application of the Theory of Motivated Information Management. Issue 2 (14th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lancaster, Alexander L.; Dillow, Megan R.; Ball, Hannah; Borchert, Katherine; Tyler, William J. C.
• Is Part Of: Southern communication journal. Volume 81:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2016-03-14
• Subjects: Information management -- romanic relationships -- taboo topics -- theory of motivated information management -- topic avoidance; Oral communication -- Periodicals; 302.224205
• DOI: 10.1080/1041794X.2015.1089926
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-794X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using the theory of motivated information management (TMIM), this study explored how individuals manage information about romantic partners' past relationships, a typically taboo topic (Baxter & Wilmot, 1985). A sample ( N = 146) of undergraduate students currently involved in romantic relationships was used to test TMIM's predictions regarding cognitive, emotional, and communicative processes involved in information-management decisions regarding a partner's previous relationships. The hypothesized models were supported for negative emotions (i.e., anger and fear) but not for happiness as a representative positive emotion. Further, efficacy emerged as a significant mediator of the relationships between the negative emotions and information-management strategies and of the associations between outcome assessments and information-management strategies. Implications and future research directions are discussed.