Communicating Positive Illusions During Big Fights in Dating Relationships

vii, 70 leavesThe purpose of this study was to explore the communication of positive illusions (PIs) during big fights in dating relationships. A communicative analysis of PIs was investigated. Both members of dating couples individually completed a survey that measured PIs, communication of PIs, and communication satisfaction. The results suggest that partners' PIs are strongly associated with one another, individuals communicate their PIs to a moderate degree during big fights in dating relationships, and individuals' PIs are strongly associated with their communication of PIs during big fights. Only limited support was found for the hypothesis that increases in the communication of PIs would be correlated with increases in communication satisfaction. Several implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed