Hello Stranger: Developing Interpersonal Closeness Through Reciprocal Self-Disclosure and Nonverbal Synchrony

Abstract

Developing interpersonal closeness is a vital part of human connection, yet the mechanisms that foster this process remain complex and not fully understood. This study examined how reciprocal self-disclosure and nonverbal synchrony affect interpersonal closeness during dyadic interactions between strangers. Specifically, direct effects were examined, as well as the potentially moderating role of nonverbal synchrony in the relation between reciprocal self-disclosure and interpersonal closeness. In an experimental between-subjects design, 46 dyads (N = 92) engaged in two dyadic tasks under conditions of non-synchrony versus synchrony and self-disclosure versus small talk. Interpersonal closeness was measured afterwards. Results showed an unexpected negative effect of self-disclosure on closeness, but no direct or moderation effect of nonverbal synchrony. Although none of the hypotheses were supported, the findings offer new insights into exploring how timing, context, and depth of interactions influence the development of interpersonal closeness. These findings suggest that increasing interpersonal closeness between strangers may require more than brief, experimental manipulations of self-disclosure and synchrony.