Interpersonal problem solving: Problem conceptualization and communication use

Abstract

To date, researchers have not studied the relationship between the mental representation of interpersonal problem situations and interpersonal communication used to manage problem situations. This report examined the relationship between four types of communication (i.e., integrative, distributive, indirect, and avoidance) and fourteen perceptions of problem situations (i.e., problem uniqueness and frequency; goal importance, complexity, and mutuality; uncertainty about the other, relationship, and goal‐path; causal attribution to the self, other, intent of the other, relationship, and environment; and feelings for the other). Two studies tested hypotheses. The first study used self‐reports based on personally experienced problem situations to examine the relationship between the perceptions and perceived use of the types of communication. The second study explored the relationship between communication stimuli likely to be used in problem situations and the likelihood of the conceptualization perceptions. Results generally confirmed the hypotheses in both studies and indicated that a relatively specific relationship exists between each type of communication and the set of perceptions for both personally experienced and undefined problem situations. Implications of these results for problem‐related knowledge structures, problem solving, conflict, relationship intervention, and interpersonal influence were discussed along with directions for future research.