An experimental investigation into perceptions of disrespect during interpersonal conflict

•Perceptions of disrespect are central to social life, but are understudied.•Factorial vignettes are employed to assess perceptions of disrespect.•Perceptions of disrespect vary across individuals.•Social situations' content drives perceptions of disrespect.•Individual characteristics moderate situational influences of disrespect perceptions.

Perceptions of disrespect are central to everyday life. Despite the importance of disrespect across various social arenas, prior research has failed to empirically examine the factors influencing these perceptions. This problem is magnified when considering that perceptions or disrespect may vary across individuals and social situations alike. Drawing from theories of social geometry and symbolic interaction, this study examines the individual and situational characteristics that inform perceptions of disrespect. Using factorial vignettes, and a large sample of students, respondents were asked to assess actors in various conflicts. Results from a series of hierarchical linear models show that perceptions of disrespect vary across individuals. The content of situations appears to drive perceptions of disrespect more than individual characteristics. Implications for future research on disrespect are discussed.