Effects of relationships with friends on reactions towards teasers

Abstract

Reactions to teasing in everyday situations were investigated by focusing on emotions towards teasers and needs for maintaining a relationship. A questionnaire was administered to Japanese university students (N=150, 71 men and 79 women, mean age=19.29 years old, SD=1.38). Covariance structure analysis developed a causal model of teasing reactions, which indicated that emotions toward teasers, including trust and independence, suppressed adverse reactions to teasing. On the other hand, the sense of rivalry caused adverse reactions. It is suggested that anxiety about relationships and needs for mutual respect might cause exaggerated reactions.