Affiliation in an unavoidable stressful situation: An examination of the utility theory

This research compared the validity of the utility theory (Rofé, 1984) and emotional comparison theory (Schachter, 1959) regarding affiliative and conversational tendencies immediately before and after child delivery. The effects of repression‐sensitization, level of anxiety, education and birth status were also examined. Results showed that prior to delivery women tended to want to be alone, while after delivery they desired to be with others. Women who chose to be with others before delivery preferred to be silent or to talk about topics irrelevant to the birth. The tendency to avoid the company of other women immediately before delivery was stronger among repressors and more highly educated subjects. These results appear to be consistent with utility theory but not with emotional comparison theory. 1986 The British Psychological Society