Face Threatening and Face Supportive Communication in Postdivorce Relational Turning Points

Abstract

Using face as a theoretical framework, this mixed-method study explored divorcees’ postdivorce turning points. Participants (N = 149 divorcees, M _age = 39.43) were randomly assigned to report on either a positive or negative turning point, face threats, and face support. Data revealed positive turning points new to extant literature labeled emotional support, practical assistance, civility, distance, and moving forward. Positive turning points were associated with less face threat and more face support than negative turning points. Finally, perceived face threats and face support did not differ based on whether the divorcees had children.

Keywords:

• communication
• divorce
• face support
• face threat
• postdivorce relationships
• turning points