Abstract：Interpersonal communication often includes two parties present and a non-present third one, but the existing theories of interpersonal pragmatics fail to explain how a present party manages the interpersonal relationship between the other present party and the non-present third one. By drawing upon Spencer-Oatey’s rapport management theory and using the analysis model of conversations in psychotherapy about how a party present speaks for/as the non-present third party in interacting with the other party present, this study explores the interactions of negative emotion management between parties and then analyzes surrogate-based relationship management and its related negative emotion management. It differs from emotion management and interpersonal relationship management in face-to-face contexts, thus has innovative implications for theories of interpersonal pragmatics and communication practices.
Key words: interpersonal relationship management; interpersonal negative emotion regulation; surrogacy; interpersonal pragmatics
