Relational Messages, Perceptions of Hurt, and Biological Stress Reactions to a Disconfirming Interaction

Authors:

• Jennifer S. Priem (Penn State University)
• Rachel McLaren (Penn State University)
• Denise Solomon (Penn State University)

Abstract:

The study builds on previous hurt research by considering the role of relational messages, utilizing an interaction to observe hurtful conversations, and measuring stress hormone reactivity to a hurtful interaction. The model predicted that: involvement, composure, and receptivity would increase feelings of hurt, perceptions of similarity, affiliation, and informality would decrease hurt, and hurt would predict increases in salivary cortisol. The hypotheses were partially supported. The discussion highlights the implications for the study of hurt.