Effects of communication about interpersonal process on the evolution of self-disclosure in dyads

In an earlier investigation, like-sex partners in an acquaintance exercise were found to match their mean levels of intimacy. This "consensus" was achieved through the adoption of asymmetric roles, whereby one partner would consistently set the pace with respect to intimacy, and the other would reciprocate. It was proposed that such unilateral control of the dyad's evolution would be replaced by shared control if partners were encouraged to discuss the problem of how intimate to be with one another. As predicted, role asymmetry gave way to role symmetry when such communication took place. In addition, partners were able to match their mean levels of intimacy during the exercise without recourse to matching on a moment-to-moment basis. In place of a monotonic increase in intimacy, dyads followed a curvilinear course marked by an accelerated increase and a subsequent tapering off or decrease in intimacy level. The findings are discussed in relation to the more general question of how consensus is achieved in the social construction of an encounter or relationship.