A Target's Perspective: Verbal Aggressiveness, Coping Strategies, and Relational Harm. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roper, Randy R.; Johnson, Amy Janan; Bostwick, Eryn N.
• Is Part Of: Communication research reports. Volume 34:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Coping -- Message Target -- Relational Harm -- Verbal Aggressiveness; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.2
• DOI: 10.1080/08824096.2016.1230544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-4096

Abstract

Abstract : A total of 361 college students recalled situations when they were the targets of verbally aggressive messages. Results indicated that message source predicted perceived relational harm better than the trait variable of verbal aggressiveness. Greater relational harm was perceived from romantic partners and short-term acquaintances. Males were higher in verbal aggressiveness. Targets' levels of trait verbal destructiveness predicted which coping strategy each reported, and which coping strategy they chose predicted perceived relational harm.