Giving and Receiving Compliments: What are Your Intentions?

Compliments are a part of everyday communication in American culture. While many use compliments in order to gain compliance or to show interest in further developing a relationship, underlying intentions may be different than what is perceived by the receiver. The researchers of this study investigated the difference in the motivations of compliments both given and received based on different categories. Using a survey of students at a faith­based university in the Midwest, researchers were able to gather insight into the intentions of giving compliments as well as the perception of received compliments.