Louisiana State University

Faculty Member, Communication Studies

Professor

Humanities and Social Sciences

About

James Honeycutt is a Professor of Communication Studies at the Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, internationally known for his work in relationship scripts and daydreaming, particularly imagined interaction conflict-linkage theory which explains why it is hard to forget old arguments and relational scripts for the development and maintenance of interpsonal relationships. Instead, conflict may fester within the human mind as people imagine retribution that may or may not occur. One of the common characteristics of imagined interactions is "discrepancy" where conversations that are imagined in the mind may be quite different from what actually happens in verbal discourse. For example, there is high discrepancy if you imagine that your boss will chastise you for being late in meeting a deadline; but then he/she tells you that they understand the delay because of other pending matters. Research has shown that discrepancy is associated with chronic loneliness and lack of satisfaction in interpersonal relationships.

Honeycutt received a Ph.D. in Communication with a complementary emphasis in social/clinical psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1987. He has been the recipient of numerous research awards including the Distinguished Book of the Year in 2006 by the social cognition division of the National Communication Association for his initial book on imagined interactions.

He received his M.S. from Purdue University in 1981 with a supplemental emphasis in social psychology and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with honors in 1979 with a B.S. degree. He is the author of several books on the subjects of relationships and imagined interactions.

Honeycutt created the Matchbox Interaction Lab (the name was coined by students because some conflict discussions are measured) at LSU in 2007 where individuals, couples, and groups discuss a variety of topics, have their heart rates measured, and receive communication tips to enhance communication competence.  Research reveals increased heart-rate variability among some people when imagining discussing sensitive issues with a relational partner.

Honeycutt teaches classes at LSU focusing on emotion and communication, interpersonal conflict,relationships, family dynamics, intercultural communication, emotions, and imagined interactions. He is a member of a number of social science journal editorial boards. Honeycutt has lectured throughout the U. S. and Thailand to academic and business groups.

He is known for imagined interaction II) conflict-linkage theory which consists of three axioms and 9 theorems. The theory explains why it is hard to forget old arguments, let alone forgive those whom the arguments were with. Individuals can become caught in an absorbing state of resentment in these cases. It is based on the assumption that individuals ruminate about conflicts as they are exposed to daily reminders (e.g., songs, media messages, other people that remind us of the source of the conflict) of pent-up grievances. There a number of methods that help manage daily conflict including "compensation" as individuals may not be in a position to enact revenge or retribution. Hence, they may feel "catharsis" by imagining discrepant scenarios that relieve tension or anxiety.

Beginning with Volume 29 in the fall of 2009, Honeycutt is co-editor of the interdisciplinary journal, IMAGINATION, COGNITION, and PERSONALITY with Robert G. Kunzendorf of the University of Massachusetts, Lowell that is produced by Baywood Publishing. (http://www.baywood.com/journals/previewjournals.asp?Id=0276-2366) This pioneering journal explores uncharted scientific territory and creative research-based clinical interventions. Articles examine the stream of consciousness and the flow of human experience in relationship to human development and behavior, imagery and creativity, fantasy and imagination, brain structure and function, aesthetics and the humanities, and social and cultural influences. A variety of authorities examine the uses of imagery, fantasy and other resources of consciousness in psychotherapy, communication, relationships, behavior modification, hypnosis, medicine, education, and other applied fields.

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