Reactions to Hurtful Messages: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

This thesis involved the study of hurtful messages and individuals' reactions to them. A literature review provides extensive review of the variables that may contribute to an individual's response to a hurtful message: relationship type (romantic relationships and friendships), sex of the individual, and attachment type (secure and insecure). Reactions to these messages were grouped in three categories: emotional, communicative, and physical. Results offered statistical support for differences in several areas of this research. First, emotional and communicative responses were significantly different in the two relationship types. Second, men and women were found to differ in emotional and physical responses. Last, emotional responses were significantly different in securely -- and insecurely -- attached individuals.