Relational partners' uncertainty management: testing the moderating effect of context in the theory of motivated information management. Issue 5 (19th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kuang, Kai; Gettings, Patricia E.
• Is Part Of: Communication quarterly. Volume 68:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 473
• Page End: 498
• Publication Date: 2020-10-19
• Subjects: Theory of motivated information management -- uncertainty -- communication theory -- information management processes -- close relationships; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2020.1821736
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-3373

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Distinct contexts present different communication challenges, which may influence the processes through which uncertainty motivates information management. To understand the potential moderating effects of context on uncertainty management processes, two studies tested the applicability of the theory of motivated information management (TMIM) across three topics – family health history, retirement preferences, and sexual satisfaction – and compared these topics on five dimensions: difficulty, openness, disagreement, face-threat, and proximity. Data from 274 married individuals in Study 1 suggest that the association between uncertainty discrepancy and negative emotions did not differ across contexts; however, context moderated most other TMIM paths, including emotions-outcome expectancy, outcome expectancy-efficacy, and efficacy-information seeking. Findings from Study 2 clarified how these topics differ. Theoretical and practical implications regarding the applicability of TMIM in different contexts are discussed.