More Than Just Talking: The Role of Self-Disclosure in the Fast Friends Procedure

Author

Chloe ShearerFollow

Date of Award

Winter 12-8-2017

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS Experimental Psychology

Department

Psychology

Advisor

Susan Teague, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Paige Fisher, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Marianne Lloyd, Ph.D.

Keywords

dyadic interaction, acquaintance dyads, self-disclosure, Fast Friends Procedure

Abstract

The Fast Friends (FF) procedure was developed to generate feelings of closeness in the laboratory through escalating, mutual self-disclosure by partners (Aron, Melinant, Aron, Vallone, & Bator, 1997). Research indicates that, in addition to generating feelings of closeness, self-disclosure can also benefit mood. This study examined not only the total, but also the relative amount of self-disclosure between dyad partners in the FF vs. control condition. It was found that while participants in FF engaged in more self-disclosure overall, disclosure within FF dyads was not equitable. Contrary to prediction, the FF procedure did not generate more positive feelings than the control condition. Results are discussed in terms of social penetration and information process theories. Recommendations for further investigation are considered.

Recommended Citation

Shearer, Chloe, "More Than Just Talking: The Role of Self-Disclosure in the Fast Friends Procedure" (2017). Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs). 2420.
https://scholarship.shu.edu/dissertations/2420