Relational devaluation and the self: Testing an integrative model of self-motivations and the theory of hurt feelings
Description
This research tested a model for responses to perceptions of relational devaluation in newly formed friendships. Relational devaluation is the perception of an unexpected decline in how close, important, or valuable a relationship partner considers the self to be. Borrowed from the theory of hurt feelings (Leary & Springer, 2001), relational devaluation is thought to trigger hurt feelings, which serve as a warning to the self that a given relationship is at risk of dissolution. The proposed model integrated the theory of hurt feelings with research on self-evaluation motivations. The model made the following predictions: (1) When explained situationally (e.g., via external justification), perceptions of relational devaluation should lead to inflexible self-evaluative motivations, which are those that maintain or bolster self-perceptions, such as self-enhancement and self-verification. (2) When no situational explanations are available, perceptions of relational devaluation should lead to flexible self-motivations, which are those that involve attempts to 'objectively' evaluate the self, such as self-assessment and self-improvement. (3 & 4) Regardless of external justification, hurt feelings should derive from perceptions of relational devaluation and inflexible motivations should be activated when relational devaluation is not perceived A 2 (Relational Devaluation) x 2 (External Justification) factorially designed deception study tested the model. After developing closeness with a female experimental confederate, 83 female participants learned via alleged experimenter error that the confederate felt either as close or a lot less close to them than participants had expected. Then participants overheard the confederate's comment to the experimenter that either explained the feedback as a mistake (external justification) or not. Participants' hurt feelings and automatic self-relevant thoughts were measured in addition to trait level affect intensity. Analyses provided no support for the theory of hurt feelings. However, feelings of support were reduced when relational devaluation was perceived either directly from the initial feedback or indirectly when the overheard comment undermined feedback that participants were valued. This indirect relational devaluation also resulted in less positive automatic self-relevant thoughts. Unexpectedly, participants differed more in terms of positive thoughts, which are characteristic of inflexible motivations, than negative thoughts