Imagined interaction as an element of social cognition

Abstract

The notion of “imagined interaction”; is introduced as part of the social cognition process. Imagined interactions serve several functions including rehearsal for anticipated encounters. Results of a study indicate that imagined interactions tend to occur before real interactions, are dominated by the self, and are equally pleasant and unpleasant. Topics and partners are primarily relational. Imagined interactions may be dysfunctional for lonely individuals. Findings are related to theories of interpersonal communication and cognitive structuring, and implications for future studies are evaluated.