Depressive Symptoms and Relational Uncertainty as Predictors of Reassurance-Seeking and Negative Feedback-Seeking in Conversation

Authors

Leanne K. Knobloch
Lynne M. Knobloch-Fedders, Marquette UniversityFollow
C. Emily Durbin

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

10-21-2011

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Source Publication

Communication Monographs

Source ISSN

0363-7751

Abstract

Integrative interpersonal theory implies that relational uncertainty may play a role in the reassurance-seeking and negative feedback-seeking behavior of people with depressive symptoms. We sought to extend the theory by (a) documenting how individuals with depressive symptoms communicate under conditions of relational uncertainty, (b) evaluating actor and partner effects, and (c) utilizing observational measures of reassurance-seeking and negative feedback-seeking. Sixty-nine romantic couples engaged in 50 minutes of conversation rated by independent judges. Multilevel modeling results indicated that the depressive symptoms of actors and partners were the primary predictor of an actor's reassurance-seeking, but an actor's relational uncertainty was the primary predictor of an actor's negative feedback-seeking. The findings illuminate the interplay among depressive symptoms, relational uncertainty, and communication.

Comments

Accepted version. Communication Monographs, Vol. 78, No. 4 (2011): 437-462. DOI. © 2011 Taylor and Francis (Routledge). Used with permission.

Lynne M. Knobloch-Fedders was affiliated with Northwestern University at the time of publication.

Recommended Citation

Knobloch, Leanne K.; Knobloch-Fedders, Lynne M.; and Durbin, C. Emily, "Depressive Symptoms and Relational Uncertainty as Predictors of Reassurance-Seeking and Negative Feedback-Seeking in Conversation" (2011). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 365.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/365