Abstract
Based on appraisal theory (Lazarus 1991; 1999), this study examined the degree to which primary and secondary cognitive appraisals of hurtful messages predict the amountof hurt individuals feel, and the coping behaviors they enact. This study presents a significant step forward in its operationalization of both primary and secondary appraisal variables by treating hurt as an outcome, rather than an antecedent, of the appraisal process, and considers an extensive range of coping responses. We surveyed participants (N = 217) about hurtful messages they received within an array of relationship types. The results revealed that fours types of appraisals predicted the amount of hurt recipients experienced. All coping behaviors except positive reappraisal were significantly predicted by the primary appraisals (categories of risk) and secondary appraisals (perceived intentionality and frequency of hurtful messages). The findings explicate appraisal theory’s potential in explaining individuals’ responses to hurtful communication.
Highlights
Based on appraisal theory (Lazarus 1991, 1999), this study examined the degree to which primary and secondary cognitive appraisals of hurtful messages predict the amount of hurt individuals feel, and the coping behaviors they enact
Consistent with appraisal theory, we posit the experience of hurt as an outcome, rather than an antecedent of the Bippus & Young appraisal process and explore the utility of primary and secondary appraisals in predicting the hurt reported by recipients of hurtful messages
As this pattern of findings suggested a negligible effect on our variables of interest in the study, we did not account for sex and relationship type in subsequent analyses
Summary
Based on appraisal theory (Lazarus 1991, 1999), this study examined the degree to which primary and secondary cognitive appraisals of hurtful messages predict the amount of hurt individuals feel, and the coping behaviors they enact. Consistent with appraisal theory, we posit the experience of hurt as an outcome, rather than an antecedent of the Bippus & Young appraisal process and explore the utility of primary and secondary appraisals in predicting the hurt reported by recipients of hurtful messages. The major premise of appraisal theory is that emotions are prompted by evaluations, or appraisals, of experiences in context (Roseman & Smith, 2001) This implies that emotions do not arise automatically from particular events but rather are based on individuals’ cognitive processing of those experiences. Being called a mean name does not necessarily lead to hurt feelings, but is reliant on an assessment of the relational and psychological context to make it hurtful
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