Reintroducing taboo topics: Antecedents and consequences of putting topics back on the table

Abstract

Relational partners often experience intractable disagreements. When confronting such arguments, they sometimes declare the topic taboo and thereby remove it from further discussion. However, research does not inform as to whether or how such topics can be reintroduced for discussion. We argued that topics are most likely to be reintroduced when the conditions that led to their banishment are no longer relevant. We also anticipated that reintroducing the topic through a planned interaction rather than an unplanned conversation or event would be more common when the topic concerned some aspect of the relationship. However, a planned interaction would be less likely when the topic focused on extra‐relational activities, prior relationships, or attitudinal differences between partners. We also posited that reinstating the topic would create more positive reactions when the reason for reintroduction flowed from changed conditions and was planned than when not. A survey of individuals involved in dating relationships indicates that most could report topics that were once taboo and then reinstated. Our hypotheses were generally supported. Future directions for research are discussed.