When: Monday, Feb 26 2018 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Where:  Norm Endler Seminar Room (BSB 164)

Speaker: Joshua Guilfoyle

Title: Measuring the motivation to apologize

Abstract: We form, develop, and maintain relationships to satisfy our needs and goals. However, during this process we also hurt others. This presents an interesting paradox: we need stable bonds with others, but we hurt others which threaten these bonds. So how do we repair and maintain relationships despite committing transgressions? One important relationship maintenance strategy is to offer an apology. However, extant research suggests that transgressors often resist or refuse apologizing in favor of acting defensively. Currently, there are no reliable and valid ways to assess the motivation to apologize. This talk will propose a program of research to develop a psychometric scale that measures transgressors’ motivation to apologize following an interpersonal transgression.