The Influence of Acceptance Goals on Relational Perceptions

ABSTRACT

We examined whether relational perceptions (social involvement, relational value, interaction experience) differ depending on interaction acceptance goals (establish, maintain, or repair). Results indicated that relational perceptions were more positive in the maintain condition compared to the establish condition, which in turn was more positive than the repair condition. The data also supported a moderated mediation model: the indirect effects of social involvement and relational value on the relationship between acceptance goals and participant’s interaction experience were contingent on self-esteem. These findings identify boundary conditions that influence the impact of acceptance goals on how much people experience an interaction positively. The findings provide an integrated framework outlining the potential relationship between acceptance goals, relational perceptions, interaction experience, and self-esteem.

Keywords:

• acceptance goals
• interpersonal connections
• relational perceptions
• self-esteem

Notes

1. This is not to suggest that one develops an establish goal with every stranger one meets, but there are instances in which people are more or less motivated to establish such connections.

2. Although not the focus of the current work, we acknowledge that there are occasions when a person knows that a stranger views him/her unfavorably.

3. The analyses revealed no significant effects for participant sex, interaction partner sex, or the length of interaction.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James M. Tyler

James M. Tyler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University.

Sara E. Branch

Sara E. Branch is affiliated with the Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University.