Research on interpersonal electronic surveillance in romantic relationships: Applying the theory of motivated information management

Abstract

Through a questionnaire survey of 326 respondents in romantic relationships, we apply the theory of motivated information management (TMIM) in explaining the process of managing uncertainty through interpersonal electronic surveillance (IES) in romantic relationships. Our results indicate that: (1) In the interpretation phase of TMIM, the uncertainty discrepancy of romantic relationship is positively related to people's anxiety. (2) In the evaluation phase, the anxiety can significantly decrease the individual's efficacy, while increase (positive) outcome expectancy (OE) of IES and OE would positively influence people's efficacy. (3) In the decision phase, the positive effect of outcome expectation is significant enough, showing a direct and positive impact on IES, which causes efficacy not to significantly influence IES. Theoretical implications related to revised TMIM and practical implications related to IES as a means of managing uncertainty in romantic relationships are discussed.