Spilarewicz, Philip V.N. (2022) An Intimate Distance: When Strangers Meet — An Exploration of Self-Disclosures as a Tool for Intimacy Composition Between Strangers in Speed-Dating Interactions. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
|
Text
P.V.N.Spilarewicz_Bachelor_Thesis.pdf Download (250kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Intimacy is one of the essential features of human functioning and behaviour. The positive effects of intimacy on mental health and relationship satisfaction are well researched. However, little research has focused on intimacy between strangers. Consequently, little to nothing is known about the occurrence, content and effects of self- disclosure and responsiveness in initial encounters. The present study aimed to increase the knowledge of this phenomenon by exploring how strangers compose intimacy in novel situations in the context of speed-dating. Specifically, self-disclosure, a key component of intimacy, was examined on its content, affect and under which circumstances it occurs. Two speed-dating events were held, transcribed, and coded following the IMICA guidelines. The conceptualisation of self-disclosure as concrete action that individuals perform in terms of identity claims allowed its exploration in a real-time setting. Thirty-six randomly extracted identity claims were examined based on their occurrence, content, and effect on the conversation. The analysis found that individuals constructed intimacy by spontaneously disclosing self-relevant information, such as attitudes, experiences, interests, fears, or desires to create feelings of closeness and connectedness. Additionally, high levels of self- disclosure could result in reciprocal self-disclosure of individuals fostering a sense of relatedness. These findings align with the current research but also extend it by adding the concept of spontaneous self-disclosures. This study shows the importance of self-disclosure and intimacy in interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, it contributes to a growing body of research investigating behaviour and identity in real-time settings and hopefully stimulates further investigation in this vital area.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Gmelin, J.H. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Aug 2022 12:56 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Aug 2022 12:56 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1235 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |