Hurtful communication refers to verbal or non-verbal communication perceived as emotionally damaging, and occurs when the receiver perceives a specific social interaction as upsetting or harmful emotionally. It encompasses a range of messages—from criticism and rejection to sarcasm and insults—that can cause emotional distress, undermine relational satisfaction, and lead to long-term psychological consequences. Negative social interactions can be intentional, when one or both parties are involved in interpersonal conflict, or unintentional, such as when misunderstandings occur. Actions such as failure to recognize accomplishments or significant dates can cause hurtful outcomes within relationships.
Hurtful communication often emerges within close relational contexts, where individuals have developed emotional intimacy and shared personal information, making them more vulnerable to perceived offenses. While research primarily focuses on romantic and parent–child relationships, recent studies have expanded its application to a variety of interpersonal domains, including sibling dynamics, digital interactions, friendships, educator–student relationships, and workplace environments. In relation to other negative emotions such as anger or guilt, hurt is more often linked to interpersonal interaction. Interactions are adversely affected by hurtful communication. Hurtful communication negatively affects trust within a relationship resulting in more defensive behavior by both parties.
