Stress in Serial Arguments: Implications of Seeking Mutual Resolution, Listening, and Hostility

Individuals whose goal is to reach a mutual resolution to a serial argument often listen to their partner's views during an argumentative episode, which research indicates is negatively related to post episodic hyperarousal. However, it is unclear how this pattern might be affected by a partner's hostile behavior. Two alternative models exist, one in which hostility mediates the relationship between mutual goals, listening, and hyperarousal and another in which hostility moderates the indirect relationship between mutual goals, listening, and hyperarousal. Data gathered from 305 university students about a recent episode of serial arguing with a romantic partner were used to test each model. The mediated model was supported and the moderated mediated model was not. To rule out alternative paths, several other models were tested. A model with predictors operating in parallel was also significant and proved to be the most parsimonious one. The implications of both models are discussed. This study extends serial argument research by examining the implications of positive serial argument goats and identifies positive implications of listening in serial arguments.