Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to offer an elaboration of an earlier classification of functions of nonverbal involvement (Patterson, 1982, 1983). Specifically, two additional functions of nonverbal involvement, the presentational function and the affect-management function are proposed and discussed. The presentational function is manifested in the purposeful involvement patterns with partners that are designed to create an identity or image, either at the individual or dyadic level. The affect-management function is manifested when intense affect produces adjustments in nonverbal involvement that either serves to control the negative affect (fear, shame) or maximizes the positive affect (happiness, joy). The two functions are discussed in terms of the circumstances that contribute to their emergence in social settings.
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A version of this paper was presented at the Third International Conference on Social Psychology and Language, Bristol, England, July, 1987. The completion of this paper was facilitated by support from National Institute of Mental Health grant R01 MH41793-01. I want to thank Eric Knowles for serving as action editor on this manuscript. I also want to thank Judee Burgoon and an anonymous reviewer for their helpful comments and insights on the manuscript.
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Patterson, M.L. Presentational and affect-management functions of nonverbal involvement. J Nonverbal Behav 11, 110–122 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990961
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990961