It’s Not You, It’s Me: Perceived Face Threat of Disengagement Language in Dating Relationships

ABSTRACT

Romantic relationship dissolution and its aftermath have rarely been investigated through the lens of face threat. This research delves into the communication of relationship dissolution, and argues that rejectees’ perceived face threat of dissolution language, when interacting with their self-concept clarity (attachment style and pre-dissolution commitment) can have an impact on their recovery length. I recruited 246 undergraduate participants who have experienced relationship dissolution as a rejectee and have recovered from the dissolution. Participants filled out a survey to assess their perceived face threat from rejectors’ dissolution language, attachment styles, and pre-dissolution commitment. Model fit of perceived face threat measure was tested, and path analysis model was run. Results show that rejectees’ perceived face threat of dissolution language and pre-dissolution commitment significantly lengthen their recovery period. Rejectees’ attachment style does not have a direct impact on their recovery, but mediates through perceived face threat. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• attachment style
• commitment level
• perceived face threat
• romantic relationships

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).