Effects of Relational Context on Perceptions of Verbally Rude Messages

Abstract

In this paper, the differences in perceptions of verbally rude messages as a function of relational closeness are examined. Due to the lack of a sufficiently useful definition of verbal rudeness in extant research, a new definition of verbal rudeness is suggested. Research on relational development provides the theoretical framework through which verbal rudeness is examined. Several hypotheses are formulated, predicting that verbally rude messages will be regarded as more typical, playful and appropriate, and less offensive in close friendships than in interactions between acquaintances. Statistical analyses revealed a lack of empirical support for the hypotheses. A discussion of why the data did not support the hypotheses as well as directions for future research in this vein are presented