Identifying and Characterizing Goals of Dating Partners Engaging in Serial Argumentation

Interpersonal argument that is ongoing and unresolved has not received extensive research attention. To learn more about the nature of these serial arguments, the current study sought to identify and establish the goals of dating partners when engaging in serial argument episodes. Qualitative and quantitative cluster analysis techniques were utilized to categorize the serial arguing goals provided by 324 undergraduates in two stages of data collection. Results reveal that 10 goal clusters characterize serial argument episodes within dating relationships. These goals are defined and discussed in light of existing argument research.