Abstract
Perceptions of others' use of verbally aggressive messages during conflicts were examined in family and organizational as well as in interactions among strangers. Additionally, trait verbal aggressiveness and its correlation with the perception of others' use of aggressive messages were examined. 266 participants answered a brief telephone survey completing the Trait Verbal Aggressiveness Scale and rating how often they observed others using verbally aggresive messages. Participants reported observing more verbally aggressive messages in conflict episodes with strangers than with family members or coworkers. Trait verbal aggressiveness and frequency of observed verbally aggressive messages were significantly correlated in the family and organizational settings but not in the context with a stranger.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.