To apologize: Categories and Effects on Three Types of Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract Despite the fact that apologies are seen as mechanisms of impression management in psychology, little is known about the dynamics of offering them (not only receiving) in different types of interpersonal relationships. Experimental apology scenarios in three independent conditions (interacting with a family member, a close friend, or a romantic partner) were responded by 239 participants, followed by measures of plausibility, responsibility and emotion, as well as Miller’s Social Intimacy Scale. Four major categories were found and tested in their associations with the interpersonal relationships. Apologies to family members showed external or internal causes, while the ones offered to romantic partners involved internal causes or reparation, and the ones offered to friends involved moral disengagement or external causes. No differences were found in responsibility, plausibility, and emotion. The role of apology for preventing interpersonal conflicts and the impact of situational and dispositional variables on social justification processes are discussed.