Document Detail


When curiosity breeds intimacy: taking advantage of intimacy opportunities and transforming boring conversations.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22092143     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Curious people seek knowledge and new experiences. In 3 studies, we examined whether, when, and how curiosity contributes to positive social outcomes between unacquainted strangers. Study 1 (98 college students) showed that curious people expect to generate closeness during intimate conversations but not during small talk; less curious people anticipated poor outcomes in both situations. We hypothesized that curious people underestimate their ability to bond with unacquainted strangers during mundane conversations. Studies 2 (90 college students) and 3 (106 college students) showed that curious people felt close to partners during intimate and small-talk conversations; less curious people only felt close when the situation offered relationship-building exercises. Surprise at the pleasure felt during this novel, uncertain situation partially mediated the benefits linked to curiosity. We found evidence of slight asymmetry between self and partner reactions. Results could not be attributed to physical attraction or positive affect. Collectively, results suggest that positive social interactions benefit from an open and curious mind-set.
Authors:
Todd B Kashdan; Patrick E McKnight; Frank D Fincham; Paul Rose
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2011-10-19
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of personality     Volume:  79     ISSN:  1467-6494     ISO Abbreviation:  J Pers     Publication Date:  2011 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-11-18     Completed Date:  2012-03-09     Revised Date:  2012-05-22    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  2985194R     Medline TA:  J Pers     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1369-402     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
© 2010 The Authors. Journal of Personality © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. tkashdan@gmu.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adolescent
Adult
Exploratory Behavior*
Female
Humans
Interpersonal Relations*
Male
Middle Aged
Personality
Self Disclosure
Social Behavior
Social Environment
Social Facilitation
Social Perception
Speech*
Young Adult
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
MH-73937/MH/NIMH NIH HHS
Comments/Corrections
Erratum In:
J Pers. 2012 Feb;80(1):254

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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