The Impact of Relational Characteristics and Reasons for Topic Avoidance on Relational Closeness

Abstract

Although research suggests that the act of topic avoidance itself has consequences for romantic partners, it seems equally likely that the antecedent conditions underlying these decisions to avoid certain topics also lead to important relational outcomes. Framed by communication boundary management theory, relationship characteristics, motivation for topic avoidance, and implications for relational closeness were examined. Findings indicate that relational commitment characteristics and individuals' reported rationale for topic avoidance are related to perceptions of relational closeness. These results illustrate the importance of understanding the underlying factors that motivate the decision to engage in topic avoidance and their impact on romantic relationships.

Keywords:

• Commitment
• Communication Boundary Management Theory
• Relational Closeness
• Topic Avoidance

Notes

Note. N =183.

∗p < .001.

Note. Wilks's Λ = .44, F(48, 835) = 3.16, p < .001.

Note. Wilks's Λ = .73, F(24, 604) = 2.36, p < .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Megan R. Dillow

Megan R. Dillow (PhD, The Pennsylvania State University, 2006) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.

Katie Neary Dunleavy

Katie Neary Dunleavy (PhD, West Virginia University, 2007) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at LaSalle University.

Keith D. Weber

Keith D. Weber (EdD, West Virginia University, 1998) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.