Variations in Group Process Due to Valence,Response Mode,and Directness of Feedback

Abstract

Differences in group cohesion, trust, attraction, and perceptions of feedback were evaluated due to interpersonal feedback which varied in valence, response mode, and directness. Seventy-two undergraduates were randomly assigned to groups of eight subjects each to meet once for a two-hour session. Groups com pleted exercises designed to build intimacy for one hour, and then groups were randomly assigned to exchange interpersonal feedback which varied in the following ways: (1) positive valence, verbal feedback; (2) positive valence, fantas ized or nonverbal feedback; (3) negative valence, verbal feedback; or (4) negative feedback, nonverbal feedback. In addition, feedback varied within each group as to whether it was advice, interpretive, behavioral, or emotional in response mode with two subjects in each group delivering each type of feedback. Results indi cated that while response mode did not effect feedback ratings or cohesion ratings, the valence of the feedback effected each measure. In addition, fantasiz ing feedback can heighten effects of the feedback on trust, leading to greater trust for positive feedback and less trust with fantasizing negative feedback.

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