Affiliation:
1. Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin, USA
Abstract
Taboo topics tend to be issues that one or more parties decide not to discuss openly. The issues that are considered taboo tend to comprise a threat of some kind. Broadly speaking, taboo topics commonly fall under research areas of conflict and topic avoidance. This chapter will use that broadened scope to be able to focus on underlying factors of threat and avoidance such as interpersonal conflict, controlling behavior, and power dynamics. After reviewing those areas of literature, taboo topics will be revisited to highlight how conflict, power, and control concepts can be incorporated into directions for future research and applied settings.