A comparison of dominance and affiliation ratings based on emotional state, sex, and status

Perceptions of interpersonal dominance and affiliation have been extensively examined throughout past research. In the current study, the purpose was to fill in the some of the gaps of existing research well, specifically the gap created by current confusion in the literature regarding the effects of sex, status, and emotional display on ratings of dominance and affiliation. Also, interactions between the primary variables of interest (sex, status, and emotional display) were observed. Results revealed significant relationships within several of the dimensions addressed, specifically between emotional display and ratings of dominance and affiliation such that individuals displaying anger were viewed as more dominant than those displaying happiness whereas those displaying happiness were viewed as more affiliative than those displaying anger. Sex, both of the participant and of the source, affected ratings of affiliation and dominance such that women were viewed as more affiliative than men but men were viewed as more dominant than women. Results also revealed significant interactions such that overall ratings were mediated by the interactions between variables as well as by single variables. Also, the findings revealed a negative correlation between ratings of dominance and ratings of affiliation.