Privacy issues in relational embarrassment: Impact on relational quality and communication satisfaction

Abstract

Past theorizing on causes for embarrassing situations has not taken the context of the relationship into account. This study takes exception to that oversight and examines embarrassment within the context of romantic relationships. Respondents (n = 199) were asked to identify embarrassing situations caused by romantic partners. Responses were content analyzed and three major categories were found: revealing relational secrets, inappropriate actions and awkward situations. All of these situations were considered to be breaches of relational privacy, where the partner made something public that was expected to be kept private between the couple. Respondents were also asked to assess the impact frequency of embarrassment has on feelings of relational quality and relational communication satisfaction. Gender, length of relationship, and currency of relationship were also considered. Using canonical correlations, the findings show that current relationships are longer, have less embarrassment and have higher levels of relational quality as well as satisfaction with relational communication. While past relationships are perceived to be shorter, have more embarrassment and have lower levels of relational quality as well as satisfaction with relational communication. Interpretations of these results are offered, in light of relational privacy issues.