Communication During Interpersonal Arguing: Implications for Stress Symptoms

Abstract

Research suggests that arguing can be stressful. We report two studies that explore the relationships between distributive, integrative, and avoidant communication reported to have occuned during an argument and individuals ‘post-episodic stress symptoms and health problems. Self-reported distributive and avoidance actions were positively related to post-episodic hyperarousal and hyperarousal mediated the positive relationship between both actions and health problems. Unexpectedly, self-reported integrative actions were positively related to post-episodic intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal, although only hyperarousal mediated the relationship between integrative actions and health problems.

Key Words:

• interpersonal arguing
• arguing tactics
• hyperarousal
• stress
• well-being