Browsing by Author "Boon, Susan"

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    Accommodating Complexity: Adapting Accommodation Theory to Capture Responses to Specific Transgressions
    (2016) Rasmussen, Kyler Ray; Boon, Susan; Ellard, John; Bierman, Alex; Beran, Tanya; Agnew, Chris
    Sooner or later, we are all going to be hurt by the ones we love. Though we cannot wholly prevent such transgressions from occurring, we may be able to control how we respond, and those responses can help determine the outcome of the transgression, for good or ill. One of the most prominent models for understanding how individuals respond to transgression has been Rusbult’s EVLN model, a two-dimensional typology with four categories: Exit, Voice, Loyalty and Neglect. Despite its usefulness, this typology is limited in important ways, which prompted me to re-examine and re-calibrate the EVLN. In this dissertation, I present two studies designed to describe how individuals can respond to specific transgressions from a romantic partner (rather than responses to relationship dissatisfaction, as the EVLN was initially designed to do). In these studies, I asked undergraduate participants to list how they would respond to several hypothetical transgressions (Study 1, Phase 1; N = 107) or community participants how they actually responded to recalled transgression from a romantic partner (Study 2, Phase 1; N = 39). I then had undergraduates generate various ratings of those responses (Study 1, Phases 2 and 3; N = 150 and 195 respectively; Study 2, Phase 2, N = 197) and used multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) techniques to assess how transgression-related responses should be organized and categorized. The result is an eight-fold typology summarized by the acronym CARE-CAMP. This typology differs from the EVLN in that it provides alternate dimensions (“avoidant” and “retaliatory”) and unique categories (e.g., “Cold-Shoulder” and “Moratorium”) that add theoretically important nuance to our understanding of accommodation in close relationships.
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    An Investigation of the Dissolution of Romantic Relationships: The Impact of Affective Forecasting, Attachment, and Coping
    (2012-09-25) Sheppard, Kenneth; Boon, Susan
    The dissolution of a romantic relationship is considered to be one of life’s most distressing and upsetting experiences. However, despite the negative impact accompanied by relational dissolution, little is known concerning individuals’ expectations pertaining to their affective reactions following a romantic breakup, and the accuracy with which people can predict these reactions. Thus, the present research describes a pair of studies aimed at examining affective forecasting in response to relational dissolution (real or imagined). Study 1 consisted of a prospective longitudinal investigation designed to examine (a) the independent contributions of the initial intensity bias and the durability bias, (b) the association between attachment styles and forecasting errors, and (c) whether attachment moderated the association between anticipated affect and coping. Participants were 33 undergraduate students who experienced the breakup of a romantic relationship during the course of the study. Results revealed that (a) participants committed the durability bias (but not the initial intensity bias), (b) attachment avoidance (and not anxiety) moderated the durability bias, and (c) attachment avoidance moderated the association between anticipated affect and avoidant coping. Also, results revealed that, over time, participants expected that their negative affective reactions would diminish and their positive reactions would increase. As a complement to Study 1, Study 2 was designed to examine whether the temporary activation of state attachment was associated with greater anticipated affect. To prime attachment styles (i.e., anxiety, security), participants (N = 94) completed a scrambled sentence priming procedure. Results failed to demonstrate an association between state attachment and anticipated affect. However, participants did anticipate that their affective reactions would dissipate over time. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding affective forecasting research. Limitations and future research will be discussed in detail.
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    Collective Action Undertaken by Advantaged Group Members: Examining the Potential Role of Cross-Group Friendship
    (2023-07) Buliga, Elena; MacInnis, Cara C.; Boon, Susan; Murry, Adam; Exner-Cortens, Deinera
    In order to promote social change and improve conditions for disadvantaged social groups it is important for both advantaged and disadvantaged group members to engage in collective action. What motivates heterosexual and cisgender individuals to engage in collective action in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and other sexual orientation and gender identity groups (LGBTQIA+)? I examined intergroup contact (e.g., contact between people belonging to different groups) as a possible motivation using a mixed-method approach. Close intergroup contact, such as cross-group friendship has been found to lead to positive intergroup outcomes and in this mixed-method research, I explored it as a pro-outgroup collective action factor. Study 1 included conducting structured interviews with 22 heterosexual and cisgender university students (21 female, 1 male; Mage = 22.59) who have engaged in pro-LGBTQIA+ collective action. Thematic analysis was used to construct the following themes: 1) being motivated by experienced discrimination, 2) the critical importance of values, 3) driven by their beliefs, 4) feeling a sense of responsibility and 5) having intergroup contact. A focus of this study included understanding how cross-group friendships can motivate collective action engagement. When participants discussed their cross-group friendship experiences, the following subthemes were constructed: 1) becoming aware of group inequality, 2) discussing opposite experiences and plans, 3) learning about and / or witnessing discrimination and prejudice, 4) having a high relationship quality with their cross-group friend, and 6) supporting their cross-group friend. Findings from this qualitative study were used to inform Study 2, a cross-sectional study. Heterosexual and cisgender participants (158 female, 176 male; Mage = 35) completed a survey including a social network questionnaire for assessing cross-group friendships, recognition and condemnation of group inequality, negative emotions toward the ingroup, intergroup attitudes and collective action past engagement and intentions. Mere cross-group friendship (e.g., having any cross-group friends versus no cross-group-friends) was associated with more past engagement in collective action, but not with future intentions. Recognition and condemnation of inequality was expected to moderate the relationship between intergroup contact and collective action, but instead was found to play more of a direct role. Recognition and condemnation of inequality was associated with past and future collective action, both directly and indirectly through more positive intergroup attitudes. Findings from both studies suggest that there are various motivations for engaging in pro-LGBTQIA+ collective action among heterosexual and cisgender individuals, with recognition and condemnation of group inequality being a critical factor in driving pro-outgroup collective action.
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    Commitment and Infidelity: How Do They Relate Across Two Different Cultures?
    (2024-09-03) Salavati, Sara; Boon, Susan; Exner-Cortens, Deinera; FantI, Jeremy
    This research aimed to investigate a novel mechanism that could explain how commitment predicts infidelity across diverse cultural contexts. I examined transformation of motivation—a shift from self-centered to relationship- and partner-oriented interests—as a potential mediator. The objectives of Studies 1 and 2 were to explore whether commitment leads to transformation of motivation (Study 1; N = 71) and whether priming transformation of motivation influences monogamy maintenance efforts (Study 2; N = 104). I collected data from undergraduate samples for both studies. The attempt to prime commitment in Study 1 failed, underscoring the need for valid and reliable manipulations given the importance of commitment in interdependence theory. In Study 2, priming transformation of motivation did not impact monogamy maintenance efforts, suggesting that transformation of motivation may not the primary factor driving monogamy maintenance efforts, and other processes, such as cognitive dissonance, may be more influential. In Study 3, using a social media sample, I examined commitment, transformation of motivation, infidelity, and their associations across two cultures: Iran and Canada (N = 142 in Iran; N = 153 in Canada). Satisfaction was the primary predictor of global commitment, and structural commitment, specifically social pressure, was higher in Iran than in Canada. The results comparing markers of transformation of motivation (e.g., willingness to sacrifice, accommodative behaviours, and cognitive interdependence) across cultural samples were inconsistent. Iranian participants reported higher levels of destructive accommodation strategies, such as exit and neglect, but also a greater willingness to sacrifice compared to Canadians. These findings suggest that the hypothesized markers of transformation of motivation do not form a unidimensional construct and may be shaped by distinct cultural factors. Regarding infidelity, Iranian participants reported lower rates of emotional infidelity than Canadians, with no significant differences found for other types of infidelity. The findings have important implications for refining theory concerning transformation of motivation and for developing a more culturally sensitive understanding of commitment—one that extends beyond individual factors to consider the influence of social processes on relationship stability.
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    Critical thinking and Empathy in the Helping Professions
    (2017) Lewis, Bradley; Stam, Henderikus; Boon, Susan; Radtke, Lorraine; Zhao, Xu
    As espoused by most institutions of post-secondary education, critical thinking is considered one of the most important outcomes of that education. Despite this, the literature does not provide a coherent or concise meaning for this term. In previous research, examining students’ understandings and discursive uses of critical thinking, empathy was occasionally implicated in a relationship with critical thinking. This research project attempted to further examine students’ understandings of critical thinking and its implicated relationship with empathy through focus groups of graduate students and students pursuing a professional degree in a subset of the helping professions. Using a form of discursive psychology for analysis, three major findings were presented. First, students’ discussions produced a wide array of meanings for critical thinking, but an interpretative repertoire for critical thinking was not made evident. Secondly, students’ talk also demonstrated the rhetorical use of critical thinking to account for what should be occurring in practices of students’ profession or academic disciplines. Finally, students’ discussion of empathy did not evidence an interpretative repertoire for a relationship between critical thinking and empathy. Rather students’ accounts demonstrated considerable discursive flexibility in their talk of critical thinking, which appeared to account for the relationship between critical thinking and empathy found in previous research.
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    Cultural and Parental Influences on the Career Development of Second-Generation Chinese Canadians
    (2016) Lei, Danni; Arthur, Nancy; Boon, Susan; Ciccocioppo, Anna-Lisa
    This study explored cultural and parental influences on the career development of second-generation Chinese Canadians. A Systems Theory Framework of career development was used to frame the study. Using a qualitative approach, 10 participants with postsecondary education were individually interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed the pervasiveness of explicit conversations and implicit messages from parents throughout the lifetime, beginning in childhood. Cultural values and beliefs around work and career were often transmitted through the family, with participants compromising between family pressures and personal goals. It was difficult to separate parental values from personal values, with parental pressure shifting with time and context. In addition, the unique influences of sibling and peers were revealed. Participants expressed desire for more parental support and encouragement as well as other specific areas of support. Study limitations and implications for career counselling and educational institution settings are discussed, as well as future research directions.
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    Exploring cross-group relationships among students at a Canadian university: what factors promote lasting relationships and positive university experiences?
    (2018-09-11) Buliga, Elena; MacInnis, Cara C.; Boon, Susan; Lee, Kibeom; Bierman, Alex
    Cross-group friendships, defined as close and meaningful relationships among individuals belonging to different social groups (e.g., different nationality groups) are associated with positive outcomes but are more likely to dissolve relative to friendships between individuals belonging to same social group. The aims of this research project are to examine potential conditions under which cross-group relationships last and promote positive outcomes among students at a Canadian university. Based on previous literature, several qualities that may promote lasting cross-group friendships were examined: closeness (both subjective and inclusion of other in self), perceived similarity (both subjective and personality similarity), social network integration and salience of group membership. In Study 1 the extent to which these qualities existed in self-reported current and past cross-group friendships was explored in a sample of 325 students. The friendship qualities listed above were present to a greater extent in current than in past same- and cross-group friendships, although there were some differences based on cross-group friendship type. Thus, these qualities may contribute to cross-group friendships lasting versus dissolving. In Study 2 outcomes of cross-group relationships between international students and students at a Canadian university registered in a peer mentoring program were explored as well as the influence of friendship promoting qualities in these relationships. Although sample size was lower than anticipated for this study (mentee N = 16, mentor N = 29, control N = 30), some promising outcomes were observed. For new international student mentees, mentoring relationships promoted university engagement and for domestic student mentors mentoring relationships reduced intergroup anxiety. Friendship qualities were associated with more positive attitudes toward the partner. Findings from this research can inform efforts to promote the development of cross-group friendships.
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    Interview Impression Management: Examining the use, effectiveness, and longitudinal relationships
    (2021-03-18) Law, Stephanie; Bourdage, Joshua; Lee, Kibeom; Boon, Susan; Turner, Nicholas; Melchers, Klaus
    Impression management, which consists of tactics that are used to control one’s image, have been found to impact rater evaluations such as interview performance ratings. Despite decades of research, there has yet to be an integrated model of interview IM effectiveness that incorporates both antecedent factors of who is more likely to engage in IM, and the mechanism by which IM impacts evaluations – attributions. I also examined the role of the important novel factors of executive functioning and incongruency. The proposed model was tested across two studies: one using a field sample, and one laboratory sample. In Study 1, interviewees in a business school setting completed self-report surveys, and interviewer ratings were obtained (N = 166). In Study 2, job-seeking adults (N = 294) completed self-report surveys, and interviews using asynchronous video interview technology. Deceptive and honest IM were found to have distinct antecedents, suggesting that it is important to differentiate between the two broad dimensions of interview IM. Moreover, attributions were found to be a significant mediator on the relationship between IM tactic usage and interview performance evaluations. Although there was support found for the assertion that individual characteristics influenced the use of IM, there was, however, no support for the assertion that these individual characteristics influenced the effectiveness of IM. That is, the individual characteristics did not moderate the relationship between IM use and attributions or performance. Thus, the integrated moderated mediation model of IM effectiveness, in which IM influences performance ratings through attributions, and the relationship between IM and attributions is moderated by individual characteristics, was not supported. Finally, there were significant, longitudinal associations between honest and deceptive IM in the interview, and later workplace behaviors and outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.  
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    Involuntary Delayed Retirement and Mental Health of Older Adults Following the Great Recession
    (2022-05-05) Raihan, Mohammad Mojammel Hussain; Bierman, Alex; Curtis, Joshua; Boon, Susan
    This thesis examines whether involuntary delayed retirement (IDR) is associated with multiple measures of mental health in working older adults (age 65+) in the United States following the Great Recession. In addition, two other related aims are also addressed in this thesis: 1) whether IDR is associated with multiple measures of mental health through a lower sense of control, and 2) whether a sense of control buffers the association between IDR and multiple mental health measures. Data were derived from the Health and Retirement Study, focusing on two combined waves of working older adults in 2010 and 2012 (N=947). IDR was measured as wanting to stop working but not being able to due to financial constraints. In addition, mental health outcomes included depression, anxiety, anger-in and anger-out, and life satisfaction. Using Stata 16.0, primary analyses were conducted with ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. The bootstrapping approach to testing mediation was followed for testing whether the sense of control mediated each association between IDR and the mental health outcomes. Interactions were tested to assess whether the sense of control moderated the relationship between IDR and the mental health outcomes. Results showed that older adults who worked after retirement age (age 65+) often experienced IDR. Furthermore, the results showed a lack of overall association between IDR and multiple mental health outcomes, but also demonstrated indirect relationships between IDR and depression, anxiety, anger-out, and life satisfaction through a sense of control. In addition, the sense of control did not act as a buffering agent in the relationship between IDR and mental health. While there is no overall association, there is an indirect deleterious effect, which suggests that IDR may have additional beneficial effects that should be investigated in future research. The findings also suggest that a sense of control is an essential mental health resource for older adults who work past retirement age. Mental health researchers, therefore, should pay more attention to a sense of control because the sense of control will help older adults maintain positive mental health even if they are required to work past retirement age.
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    Putting the Pieces Together: A Proposed Model of Unforgiveness
    (2013-10-03) Jones Ross, Rachel; Boon, Susan
    Previous research and theorizing on unforgiveness has largely focused on the emotional – ruminative aspect of the phenomenon and adverse consequences to health and relationships that are associated with it. In contrast to this, my analysis of fourteen semi-structured interviews with victims of interpersonal offenses indicates that unforgiveness is a much more multi-faceted and nuanced experience. Based on participants’ responses, I identified a possible model of unforgiveness that includes the emotional – ruminative and cognitive dimensions of unforgiveness, as well as a number of components – inner conflict, barriers to forgiveness, and strategies for resolving inner conflict – that affect where a victim of an interpersonal transgression may be charted along the two dimensions. Implications for conceptualizing unforgiveness and directions for future research are discussed.
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    Revenge Tendencies and Procedural Justice Outcomes of Sexual Rejection
    (2018-11-27) Sohal, Pooja; Boon, Susan; Paulin, Melanie
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    Stress-Related Growth as an Outcome of Bullying Victimization
    (2021-04-16) Fraccaro, Rebecca L.; Nordstokke, David; Drefs, Michelle; Schroeder, Meadow; Boon, Susan; Law, Danielle
    After stressful experiences, many individuals identify as having gained something from their suffering. Research on stress-related growth considers the experience of individuals who report positive changes following stressful experiences. Stress-related growth has been explored in a variety of contexts, but it has rarely been discussed with respect to bullying. The present study offers a preliminary examination of stress-related growth in the context of school bullying by addressing three main objectives: (1) to explore stress-related growth as a potential outcome of bullying experiences, (2) to investigate if characteristics related to the individual and the bullying event predict stress-related growth, and (3) to examine if stress-related growth predicts higher levels of well-being (i.e., life satisfaction). A sample of 205 University of Calgary students with previous bullying victimization participated in the present study. Data were collected through an online survey hosted by SurveyMonkey®. The analyses explored if event-related variables (e.g., bullying type, duration, setting, severity, etc.) and variables related to the individual (e.g., gender, Big Five personality traits, optimism) significantly predicted stress-related growth. Stress-related growth was examined as a potential predictor of life satisfaction. Results indicated that individuals who experienced social bullying reported the highest levels of stress-related growth. Stress-related growth scores did not significantly differ based on any of the other event-related variables. None of the event-related variables significantly predicted growth scores. Some variables related to the individual (i.e., optimism, agreeableness) significantly positively predicted growth scores or approached significance (i.e., extraversion), while others did not (i.e., conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness). Stress-related growth scores significantly positively predicted satisfaction with life. A path analysis illustrated significant indirect effects of optimism, agreeableness, and extraversion on life satisfaction via stress-related growth. This study offers a preliminary understanding of stress-related growth as a potential outcome of bullying. The results offer initial evidence regarding factors that predict stress-related growth, and the potential impact on well-being. This study complements the extant literature on bullying outcomes and helps to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aftermath of bullying. Implications for research and practice are discussed and potential avenues for future studies are proposed.
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    The Structure and Function of Task Conflict: An Investigation of Quality and Frequency
    (2017) Derban, Genevieve; O'Neill, Thomas; Griep, Yannick; Boon, Susan; Turner, Nick
    The impact of task-focused discussions in teams should theoretically support innovative performance; yet, research has revealed mixed findings. The current research proposed that in addition to measuring Task Conflict (TC) frequency, researchers should concurrently measure the quality of TC, which would represent distinct constructs. Further, this research proposes that these emergent states are further distinguished by different trends over time and unique drivers. Results support quality and frequency being two distinct states; however, they both follow a similar positive trajectory over time. Although only marginally significant, quality appeared to be the stronger predictor of team performance. Additionally, initial psychological safety appears to drive both frequency and quality but relationship conflict only drives TC quality. The current findings demonstrate that considering the “quality” of task-focused discussion, and how it unfolds over time, is uniquely related to team performance and the importance of considering this new construct in future theoretical conflict frameworks.
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    Towards the Dark Side of Political Skill: Development and Validation of the Dark Political Skill Scale
    (2016) Wiltshire, Jocelyn; Lee, Kibeom; Boon, Susan; Chapman, Derek; Weinhardt, Justin; Donia, Magda
    In the present research, I develop and validate the Dark Political Skill Scale. Intended to supplement the existing Political Skill Inventory (PSI; Ferris et al., 2005), the Dark Political Skill Scale captures the more covert and deceptive side of political effectiveness in the workplace. Across three studies, I collected data from independent samples of full-time employees (N = 430, N = 157, and N = 142), representing a variety of occupational backgrounds. The 10-item uni-dimensional Dark Political Skill Scale demonstrated consistent evidence of convergent validity. As expected, it was positively related to (though not redundant with) an array of social competencies (political skill, social skill, self-monitoring, and perceived ability to deceive) and political will. I also found evidence of criterion-related validity as the Dark Political Skill Scale was associated with behavioural outcomes, including greater engagement in counterproductive work behaviour and workplace impression management. Dark political skill also acted as an influential moderator in predicting impression management. Importantly, in comparison to the PSI, the Dark Political Skill Scale demonstrated differential relationships with the variables in the present research. Of note, the personality profiles of employees scoring high on dark political skill showed a different pattern of results than the PSI, such that the former were lower in Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, and Agreeableness. Finally, self- and peer-reports indicated low to moderate convergence for the Dark Political Skill Scale, which was interpreted to be suggestive of the deceptive nature of dark political skill. Taken together, the Dark Political Skill Scale offers a novel theoretical and methodological contribution to the organizational politics literature. Supplementing the PSI, this new scale provides the opportunity for a more comprehensive assessment of workplace political effectiveness, and a greater understanding of the competencies required for successful engagement in a full range of political behaviours.
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    Vengeful Decisions: The Role of Perceived Effectiveness and Costliness of Revenge
    (2013-08-28) Rasmussen, Kyler; Boon, Susan
    Conventional wisdom suggests that individuals who decide to get even are driven by their emotions and cannot be swayed by considering the potential consequences of their actions. If this is the case, then perceptions of revenge’s consequences—its effectiveness and costliness—should be unrelated to the likelihood of taking revenge. The present study examined the relationships between these variables among 199 undergraduates. We had participants imagine that their romantic partners had cheated on them, and asked them to list the consequences, both positive and negative, of getting even, along with their perceptions of how effective and how costly revenge would be. We also asked participants to rate their endorsement of particular goals following a provocation. Ratings of revenge’s effectiveness are largely related to the positive consequences of getting even, while ratings of revenge’s costliness are largely related to revenge’s negative consequences. Goal endorsement is related to perceiving some potential responses to a provocation as more effective than others. Judgments of effectiveness and costliness predicted significant variance in the likelihood of engaging in revenge (R2 = .59) suggesting that perceptions of effectiveness and costliness may play a more important role in revenge decision making than previously thought. A significant Effectiveness X Costliness X Anger interaction (β = .89, p = .02) helps clarify how such perceptions are related to the likelihood of getting even. Implications and future directions are discussed.
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    "We Figured Out How to Fight": Couples' Identity Stories on Overcoming Disagreements
    (2017) Beech, Leah; Strong, Tom; Boon, Susan; Wada, Kaori
    In this research, I examined couples’ small stories about overcoming a disagreement, while analyzing how they co-constructed a sense of relational identity in these tellings. I completed semi-structured interviews with seven couples who shared stories about what helped in resolving a past conflict, and what they learned from these overlooked successes. Using a narrative analysis framework, I analyzed the content of couples’ stories with Gubrium and Holstein’s (2009) concepts of linkage and composition, and identified narrative practices involved in constructing a sense of relational identity with Bamberg and Georgakopoulou’s (2008) small story approach. Couples identified strategies that helped resolve conflict and discussed the benefits of conflict resolution. I also reviewed how couples positioned their relationship and interacted in their “we” talk to “perform” relational identity. Lastly, I discussed the implications of these findings for couples, research, and counselling, particularly the influence questions have on inviting agentive relational accounts.