An Experiment on the Effects of Self-disclosure on Perceived Partner-Responsiveness and Intimacy in Zero-Acquaintance Relationships

Abstract

Self-disclosure and perceived partner responsiveness are the key ingredients in intimacy development. Using the interpersonal process model of intimacy as a theoretical framework, this article proposes that participants’ own self-disclosure affects their perceptions of partner responsiveness, even when the partner’s actual responsiveness is held constant, and that this perceived partner responsiveness increases relational intimacy. Findings from an experiment (N= 253) showed that participants’ high (vs. low) intensity self-disclosure led to higher perceived partner responsiveness, which in turn increased intimacy. The valence and channel of self-disclosure did not moderate the link between the intensity of self-disclosure and perceived partner responsiveness, but the channel of self-disclosure affected perceived partner responsiveness, with participants who interacted face-to-face reporting higher perceived partner responsiveness than those who interacted over computer-mediated communication. Theoretical and practical implications for the intimacy process are discussed.