A framework of motivations that drive communicative resistance and cooperation in interviews: perspectives from the field

Purpose This study aims to investigate suspects underlying motivations to resist cooperation during investigative interviews. The authors propose a tripartite framework (i.e. concerns for identity, relational and instrumental reasons) for understanding motivations to resist, tested through three qualitative studies. Design/methodology/approach The authors coded semi-structured debriefs about investigators’ experiences with communicative resistance throughout their careers (n = 40; Study 1), with particularly resistant suspects (n = 18; Study 2) and with both investigators and their suspects (n = 11; Study 3). Coders identified examples illustrative of subcategories within the framework. Findings The authors found that both investigators and suspects cite various motivations to resist. The participants also highlighted the importance of considering these motivations when devising how to mitigate resistance within an investigative interview. Originality/value This research examines the understudied topic of communicative resistance and begins to examine motivations that might underlie the phenomenon. Eliciting and understanding suspects’ resistance motivations should be an important component of mitigating resistance using a rapport-based model.