Relational Change Following Hurtful Conflict: An Extension of Identity Implications Theory

Using identity implications theory as a guiding lens, this study examined how siblings, dating partners, and friends pursue relational repair or relational distancing after a hurtful conflict. Identity implications theory addresses how people pursue goals, but few studies have examined how varying types of relationships fit into the theory’s framework. Using a convenience sample of young adults (N = 581), we found that relationship type interacted with type of goal to influence participants’ perceptions of face threats. Although no three-way interactions among type of goal, relationship type, and face threat predicted facework, several main effects and two-way interactions were noteworthy. The study’s results suggest the need to consider a range of factors that might moderate theoretical relationships.