Experimenter-subject "distance" and self-disclosure.

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Abstract
In the 1st of 2 experiments, "distance" between E and S was varied from a maximum, where the E left the interviewing room, to a minimum, where the E offered continuous eye contact to the S. The dependent measure was duration of self-disclosure on a number of personal topics varying in intimacy level. As distance decreased, the 24 female undergraduates reduced their self-disclosure, while the 24 males showed no significant increase or decrease. The E was male. Findings provide partial support for M. Argyle and S. Dean's (see 39:6) "distance-equilibrium" hypothesis. In Exp. II, the same E interviewed 32 male and 32 female Ss at further decreases of "distance," ranging from being present but silent, to making physical contact with the S, and disclosing himself to the S. There was a linear increase in Ss' disclosure as "distance" was thus reduced, contrary to an expectation based upon the Argyle-Dean hypothesis. Self-disclosure from an E, in combination with minimal physical contact, facilitated self-disclosure from Ss rather than inhibited it. The reductions in "distance" were accompanied by increases in positive experience reported by Ss, and by increased change in Ss' impression of the E. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

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