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Abstract
Some people believe that intimate partners should be able to understand each other's needs and feelings without their having to express them. Those holding mind reading expectations (MRE) often have less-satisfying relationships. Because much of the research on MRE is variable analytic without strong ties to theory, research does not inform as to how MRE create relational problems. We use Expectancy Violation Theory as a frame for understanding the relationship between MRE and problematic interactions. Among a sample of individuals in dating relationships, we discovered that MRE are positively associated with individuals reporting that they became combative toward their partners or engaged in the silent treatment when their partners had failed to recognize that they had upset them. These relationships were mediated by the respondents becoming more upset as a result of their partners’ lack of awareness. Future research directions are discussed.
An earlier version of this manuscript was presented at the 2007 meeting of the National Communication Association (Interpersonal Communication Division Panel) in Chicago, IL.
Notes
(e.g., “People who love each other know each others’ thoughts without a word being said”). Each item was rated on a 6-point scale from 1 = I strongly believe that the statement is false to 6 = I strongly believe that the statement is true.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Courtney N. Wright
Courtney N. Wright (PhD, Northwestern University, 2008) is an associate professor in the School of Communication Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Michael E. Roloff
Michael E. Roloff (PhD, Michigan State University, 1975) is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.