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When Fake Is Good: The Benefits Of Deceptive Responsiveness In Relationships, Isabel Cantarella

Wayne State University Dissertations

Responsiveness is integral for successful relationship functioning (Reis & Shaver, 1988); however, it can be quite challenging to be a responsive partner (Reis & Patrick, 1996). Additionally, there may be an assumption that individuals need to be honest in their communication for their responses to be perceived as responsive. The goal of the present research is to determine if deceptive responses can be perceived as responsive and have beneficial consequences. The present research introduces the construct deceptive responsiveness, which we define as intentionally withholding information or providing false statements with the intent to make someone feel validated, supported, and cared …