Date of Award:

5-2026

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Arts (MA)

Department:

Communication Studies and Philosophy

Committee Chair(s)

Amanda Lilly

Committee

Amanda Lilly

Committee

John Seiter

Committee

Mollie Murphy

Abstract

Vulnerability is a key part of any relationship, as it allows people to feel more connected and closer to one another. However, toxic masculine norms are inhibiting men from being vulnerable in their relationships, especially in their friendships with other men. This study seeks to explore how vulnerable communication can lead to increased feelings of emotional intimacy and partner responsiveness within male friendships, even when it goes against the person’s expectations. Findings suggest that when a man is exposed to a vulnerable message, he will perceive an increase in both emotional intimacy and partner responsiveness. Another factor was that when a man perceived the vulnerability as going against expectations but in a positive way, that served to explain why exposure to vulnerability leads to increased feelings of emotional intimacy and partner responsiveness in the relationship. These results offer useful insight into how vulnerability can serve as a useful communicative tool in men’s relationships, and also in broader contexts where toxic norms of masculinity exist. Insight is also given into how vulnerability goes against the norm, but can be perceived as a positive thing when it offers things that men want, such as feeling closer to their friends.

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