I don't get mad, I get even : emotions & betrayal responses in close relationships

This study investigated the revenge process by identifying predictors of engagement in revenge behaviors within close relationships. Consisting of two parts, this study first used social exchange theory as a basis to test whether emotion management, feelings of anger and hurt, or tendency to forgive are associated with general revenge or relational restoration following a betrayal by a close relational partner. Findings suggested the only significant association with revenge is feelings of anger. No variable showed a relationship with relational restoration. The second part of the study refined the first part by drawing from the theory of revenge process to test whether emotion management or tendency to forgive was associated with covert, overt, avoidant, and approaching revenge behaviors. No relationships were found between emotion management or tendency to forgive with any of the revenge behaviors described in the theory of revenge process. New directions for the study of revenge engagement are suggested.