APS

30th APS Annual Convention

Positive Expressive Behavior in Everyday Social Interactions

Friday, May 25, 2018 · San Francisco, CA

Oral · Social

Most of life is mundane, yet most psychology focuses on rare, salient events rather than ordinary social interactions. This symposium presents research on relational regulation theory, a framework for studying ordinary social interactions, and three studies demonstrating mundane positive expressions are markers of high quality social interactions associated with well-being.

Chairs & Discussants

  • Megan RobbinsChair
    University of California, Riverside
  • Brian LakeyCoChair
    Grand Valley State University

Presentations

  1. No Laughing Matter: Latinas’ High Quality of Conversations Relate to Behavioral LaughterNairan Ramirez-Esparza, Adrián García-Sierra, Gloriana Rodríguez-Arauz, Elif Ikizer, Maria Fernández-Gómez
  2. Daily Expression of Gratitude Is a Relationship Maintenance Behavior That Predicts Relationship SatisfactionMegan L. Robbins
  3. Relational Regulation Theory and the Role of Ordinary Social Interaction in the Emotional Well-BeingBrian Lakey
  4. Observing Expressions of Distinct Positive Emotions in Families’ Everyday Lives: Examining Amusement, Compassion, Gratitude and PrideGalen McNeil, Rena Repetti