The Creation of Defensiveness in Social Interaction II: A Model of Defensive Communication among Romantic Couples

Abstract

This investigation extends the work of Stamp, Vangelisti, and Daly (1992) and others by explicating the multifaceted process of defensive communication among romantic couples. Qualitative data were derived from self-reports about a distinct episode of defensive communication in individual interviews, as well as direct analysis of couples’ communication in joint interviews. The proposed theoretical model reflects a more comprehensive, holistic, and precise framework that accounts for the triggers, core episode, outcomes, and contexts of defensive communication. The detailed model, which draws attention to interactive and person-centered features of defensive communication, is illustrated through the narrative account of one couple. Eleven data-based postulates are offered to fuel and focus subsequent investigations.

Keywords:

• Defensive Communication
• Grounded Theory
• Romantic Couples

A previous version of this manuscript was presented to the Interpersonal Communication Division for the annual meeting of the National Communication Association in Chicago, November 14–17, 2007.

A previous version of this manuscript was presented to the Interpersonal Communication Division for the annual meeting of the National Communication Association in Chicago, November 14–17, 2007.

Notes

A previous version of this manuscript was presented to the Interpersonal Communication Division for the annual meeting of the National Communication Association in Chicago, November 14–17, 2007.

1. Pseudonyms were used and transcripts were given a couple code (1 through 10) to preserve anonymity and so that direct quotations could be matched to the corresponding participant. As a result, direct quotations are followed by a numerical code, with the first number representing the specific couple; the second letter indicating whether the interview was individual (I) or joint (J); the third letter indicating whether the participant was a husband (H), wife (W), boyfriend (B), or girlfriend (G); and the fourth number(s) indicating the specific line number(s) on the transcript.

2. For examples of qualitative communication research that developed conceptual models and articulated testable postulates, see Becker and Stamp (2005), Browning (1978), and Stamp (1999, 2004).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer A. H. Becker

Jennifer A. H. Becker (PhD, University of Oklahoma) is a Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Barbara Ellevold

Barbara Ellevold (MS, Illinois State University) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Glen H. Stamp

Glen H. Stamp (PhD, University of Texas-Austin) is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Ball State University