Complaining, Teasing, and Other Annoying Behaviors

Everyone has teased, nagged, betrayed, or lied to another person. Likewise, everyone has been the unfortunate object of such unpleasant behaviors. In this intriguing book, social psychologist Robin M. Kowalski examines the intricacies of six annoying interpersonal behaviors: complaining, teasing, breaches of propriety, worry and reassurance-seeking, lying, and betrayal. She considers the functions of these behaviors, the types of people who are inclined to do them, the consequences for victims and perpetrators, and the ways in which such behaviors might be curtailed. Complaining, Teasing, and Other Annoying Behaviors provides for the first time a multifaceted picture of common annoying behaviors. The book answers these questions and many others: - Why do people tease? - What are the consequences of annoying behaviors for the people involved? - Is there a positive side to irritating behaviors? - Are people more likely to lie to those close to them or to strangers? - Do excuses and apologies diminish the hurtful effect of unpleasant behaviors? - What is the relation of gender and culture to specific annoying acts?

Robin M. Kowalski is professor of psychology at Clemson University. An expert in the field of interpersonal behavior and social anxiety, she has published five books and numerous articles on these topics. Interest in her research on complaining has been widespread, leading to radio, tv, and newspaper interviews around the world. She has appeared on the Today Show, and articles on her research have been published in Health, Allure, Family Circle, Reader’s Digest, and many other magazines.