COMPLIMENTING BEHAVIOUR IN YOUNG ADULTS’ FIRST IMPRESSION SCRIPTS

Abstract

This research provides an understanding of the gendered and formulaic use of compliments and compliment responses in young adults’ first impression scripts. Digital analysis software was used to collect, measure, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data drawn from 331 couples of opposite-sex heterosexual strangers interacting on two American reality dating shows: The Bachelor and The Bachelorette (2012-2019). The results indicate that men paid compliments more often than women and were more expressive in their choice of objects to be complimented. However, we found no gender differences regarding (i) the content of compliments, (ii) the formulaic patterns, (iii) the morphological features of the compliments (i.e., verbs, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and nouns), and (iv) the types of compliment responses. These findings have implications for theorizing on cultural norms and gender stereotypes of contemporary complimenting behaviour.