Reactions to Hurtful Messages: A Quantitative Analysis
File(s)
Date
2011-05Author
Googins, Lindsey J.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Fine Arts and Communication
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This thesis involved the study of hurtful messages and individuals' reactions to them. A
literature review provides extensive review of the variables that may contribute to an individual's
response to a hurtful message: relationship type (romantic relationships and friendships), sex of
the individual, and attachment type (secure and insecure). Reactions to these messages were
grouped in three categories: emotional, communicative, and physical.
Results offered statistical support for differences in several areas of this research. First,
emotional and communicative responses were significantly different in the two relationship
types. Second, men and women were found to differ in emotional and physical responses. Last,
emotional responses were significantly different in securely -- and insecurely -- attached
individuals.