Interpersonal conflict interaction: An examination of verbal defense of self |
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| Authors: | Virginia G Waln |
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| Institution: | Assistant Professor of Speech Communications and Theatre Arts , Old Dominion University |
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| Abstract: | The purpose of this investigation was to examine defensive verbal communication behaviors that occur at observer perceived levels of interpersonal conflict intensity. Conflict was defined as an interaction that occurs when salient values are challenged. Communication behavior in conflict was conceptualized as behavior to defend self. Videotapes of 37 dyadic conflict interactions were collected and coded. Three levels of conflict interaction intensity were examined. Two major categories of verbal defensive behaviors were observed: (1) agreement‐disagreement; and (2) measures of verbal intensity. In general, a positive relationship was found between observer perceived level of conflict intensity and amount of defensive behavior. |
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