Article published in:
Interpersonal ArgumentationEdited by Harry Weger, Jr
[Journal of Argumentation in Context 4:1] 2015
► pp. 21–41
The role of communication and coping in emerging adults’ serial arguments with parents
Catherine M. Gaze | Elmhurst College
Rachel M. Reznik | Northwestern University
When individuals cannot resolve a disagreement in a single episode, the argument is likely to reoccur over time resulting in a serial argument. Prior research on serial arguing has shown that engaging in hostile communication during episodes and taking a resigned stance after episodes is detrimental to one’s physical health. This study investigates the mechanisms by which hostile communication and taking a resigned stance lead to negative outcomes in a sample of emerging adults. Mutual hostility is related to physical and mental health symptoms and this relationship is mediated by the degree to which the participants feel hyperaroused. Taking a resigned stance toward a serial argument with one’s parent is related to health symptoms and this relationship is mediated by the participants’ rumination after argumentative episodes.
Keywords: interpersonal arguing, hostility, well-being., coping, rumination, hyperarousal
Published online: 08 June 2015
https://doi.org/10.1075/jaic.4.1.02gaz
https://doi.org/10.1075/jaic.4.1.02gaz
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Southern Communication Journal 83:5 ► pp. 283 ff. 
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