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Managing the outcomes of discovered deception
R K Aune1, S Metts, A S Hubbard
1Department of Speech, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu 96822, USA.
The Journal of Social Psychology
|January 1, 1999
Summary
Individuals use specific strategies to manage deception in relationships. Prosocial repair strategies, when used after deception, increase trust, affection, and intimacy, enhancing relational satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Interpersonal Communication
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Deception is a common interpersonal act that can significantly harm relationships.
- Understanding how individuals manage the aftermath of discovered deception is crucial for relationship maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the strategies individuals employ to manage the discovery of deception within relationships.
- To investigate the relationship between prosocial relational repair strategies and relationship outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative study involving 210 participants who completed questionnaires.
- Assessment of repair strategies used subsequent to deception.
- Correlation analysis to examine relationships between strategy use and relational variables.
Main Results:
- Repair strategy use varied significantly across different types of relationships.
- Prosocial relational repair strategies positively correlated with increased target trust, affection, and relational intimacy.
- Relational satisfaction was positively associated with the use of prosocial strategies.
- Deceiver's strategy choice was influenced by perceived relational significance attributed to the deception by the target.
Conclusions:
- Prosocial relational repair strategies are effective in rebuilding trust and intimacy after deception.
- The perceived importance of the relationship influences the choice of repair strategies.
- Promoting prosocial communication can foster healthier relationship recovery from deception.