Abstract
This experiment examined verbal and nonverbal behavior by pairs of female friends and strangers as they discussed either intimate or nonintimate topics at face-to-face distances of approximately 2.5 or 4.5 feet. On the basis of equilibrium theory and Altman and Taylor's (1973) theory about interpersonal exchange, strangers were expected to react to intimate topics or close proximity or both with discomfort and decreased affiliative behavior (facial regard, gesturing, speech). Friends were expected to show increased affiliative behavior. Results indicated that both strangers and friends showed signs of discomfort and low levels of affiliative behavior while discussing intimate topics, i.e.compensation. Discomfort with intimate topics and compensation decreased over time, indicatingadaptation. This finding suggests that compensation for intimate topics may occur only during the initial phases of an encounter.
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Reference Note
Rohner, S. J., & Aiello, J. R. The effect of topic intimacy on interaction behaviors. Paper presented at the annual conference of The Eastern Psychological Association, New York City, 1975.
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This research project was supported by Biomedical Sciences Support Grant #RR-07088, University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1974. The author wishes to thank Thomas High, Patrick McMillan, Brian Murphy, and Robert Stoner for assistance in conducting the study. Thanks also are extended to David Anderson, Deborah Compton, Andy Derryberry, Deborah Freeman, Michael Kelley, Steve McDonough, Anthony Wilson, and Allen Wright for acting as observers. Data analyses employed the facilities of The University of Tennessee Computing Center. I wish to thank Irwin Altman, James Dabbs, and Miles Patterson for comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript.
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Sundstrom, E. A test of equilibrium theory: Effects of topic intimacy and proximity on verbal and nonverbal behavior in pairs of friends and strangers. J Nonverbal Behav 3, 3–16 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01114528
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01114528