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Identity Implications of Relationship (Re)Definition Goals

An Analysis of Face Threats and Facework as Young Adults Initiate, Intensify, and Disengage From Romantic Relationships

Purdue University, wilson25{at}purdue.edu

Adrianne D. Kunkel

University of Kansas

Scott J. Robson

Fort Hays State University

James O. Olufowote

Boston College

Jordan Soliz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Identity implications theory (IIT) is applied to analyze how young adults manage identity concerns associated with the goals of initiating, intensifying, and disengaging from romantic relationships. Participants wrote their responses to one of six hypothetical romantic (re)definition scenarios, indicated whether they actually would pursue the relational goal if their scenario were real, and rated degree of threat to both parties' face. Responses were coded for positive and negative politeness strategies. Participants in different relational goal conditions perceived different face threats, varied in their likelihood of pursuing the relational goal, and employed different politeness strategies. Relationship (re)definition goal also moderated associations between perceived face threats and goal pursuit as well as politeness strategies. The findings show how multiple goal theories such as IIT can be applied to situations where relational goals are primary as well as how, to varying degrees, identity concerns shape and constrain how young adults pursue relational (re)definition goals.

Key Words: romantic relationships • relationship goals • face threats • multiple goals • politeness strategies

This version was published on March 1, 2009

Journal of Language and Social Psychology, Vol. 28, No. 1, 32-61 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0261927X08325746


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