Imagined Interactions

Abstract

Abstract A major mechanism for analyzing interpersonal communication and social cognition is through the study of imagined interactions (IIs). They are frequently used in everyday life and serve a variety of functions including understanding, rehearsal, conflict management, relational maintenance, catharsis, and compensation. They are associated with personality, quality relationships, ability to argue, and mental health. Retroactive IIs are often portrayed in movies or television in the form of flashbacks. We review the attributes and functions of IIs. Subsequently, conflict linkage is discussed in which people ruminate about arguments in their mind. Indeed, there are cultural maxims that attest to the prevalence of intrapersonal conflict: for example, “I can forgive but not forget.” A study is presented revealing physiological indicators of intrapersonal communication in the form of heart‐rate variability while a couple is imagining a conversation discussing pleasing and displeasing issues in their relationship.