Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Peering into the Dynamics of Social Interactions: Measuring Play Fighting in Rats
Published on: January 18, 2013
Do we get better at picking our battles? Age group differences in descriptions of behavioral reactions to
Kira S Birditt1, Karen L Fingerman
1Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 426 Thompson St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA. kirasb@isr.umich.edu
Abstract:
Individuals of various ages may react in different ways when they are upset with their social partners. This study examines age group differences in descriptions of behavioral reactions to interpersonal tensions. Participants ages 13 to 99 (84 men, 100 women) described interpersonal tensions that occurred with close and problematic social network members. Descriptions were coded with Rusbult's typology of conflict strategies (voice, loyalty, neglect, exit). Multilevel models revealed that older adults were more likely to report loyalty strategies (e.g., doing nothing) while younger people were more likely to report exit (e.g., yelling) strategies in response to interpersonal problems. These age differences were not accounted for by intensity of distress, relationship quality, contact frequency, or type of social partner. It appears that individuals are better able to regulate their behavioral responses to interpersonal problems as they age.
More Related Videos
09:01A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance
Published on: May 7, 2014
07:01Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Aggression
Factors Affecting Perception
An illustrative example of a perceptual set is the scenario where an airline pilot told...
Adler's Individual Psychology
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other