The benefits of turn-taking reciprocal self-disclosure in get-acquainted interactions

Abstract

Self-disclosure can vary on many dimensions, including reciprocity. Using a live-interaction paradigm, the authors examined how dyads who engaged in turn-taking self-disclosure in two interactions differed from dyads who engaged in sequential self-disclosure (one person disclosed while the other listened in a first interaction, switching roles in the second interaction) on attraction and three interpersonal process variables-responsiveness, enjoyment, and perception of being liked. Turn-taking (vs. sequentially) disclosing dyads reported greater degrees of attraction, especially after the first interaction. The three process variables were positively associated with attraction and were experienced to a greater degree by dyads who engaged in turn-taking (vs. sequential) self-disclosure. These process variables mediated the link between self-disclosure reciprocity and attraction.