Aragón, O. R. (2014). Factors in understanding and emotional engagement during real-time interactions. Doctoral dissertation, Yale University.
Within social interactions people communicate not only explicitly through what they say, but also through implicit channels of facial expressions and body language. Whether a brief interaction between strangers, or a weighty interaction between relationship partners, people will implicitly express emotions, intentions, and desires. Within successful social interactions partners reciprocate with appropriate emotional responsiveness. In this dissertation I present three factors that interfere with emotional responsiveness or engagement with one's partner. I address how these factors can affect perception of partners' emotional and internal states, emotional responsiveness towards partners, and social connection with partners. In particular I suggest that: a) being inclined to reason through situations, b) not being focused on one's partner, while in particular, being self-focused, and c) being self-protective, will all interfere with emotional engagement with partners. Based on the importance of responsiveness to one's partner's emotions for enhancing in relationship quality, I suggest that not being emotionally engaged with partners has negative consequences in interpersonal relationships.
In progress:
Aragón, O. R. & Clark, M. S. (under revision). Reasoning reduces the recall and impact of implicit but not explicit information when choosing interaction partner in the workplace.
Aragón, O. R. & Clark, M. S. (under revision). A motivation to reason interferes with taking in and being responsive to others’ emotions.