Initial goals, goal trajectories, and changes in perceived resolvability during serial arguments

This study examined how dyadic patterns of goal importance during a serial argument interaction predict changes in perceptions of argument resolvability over the course of a specific episode. Seventy romantic couples engaged in a 7-min discussion of a current serial argument and used a video-assisted recall method to report their goals at each minute. Although arguers' initial goals did not predict changes in perceptions of resolvability, increases in a partner's endorsement of partner-identity goals predicted increases in individuals' own perceptions of resolvability. Conversely, increases in a partner's endorsement of self-identity goals predicted declines in individuals' perceived resolvability. Results suggest that trajectories of identity-focused goals during serial argument episodes may shape the progress of argument perceptions toward or away from resolvability.