No abstract

This study reviews and integrates findings and measures available in the area of affiliation and the related field of conformity. Affiliative characteristics are represented in terms of a two-dimensional scheme, based on generalized expectation of the positively and negatively reinforcing quality of interpersonal relationships. Treating each of these dimensions dichotomously, four categories of affiliator are obtained. These four categories are related to existing measures of affiliative tendency. Implications of available research are used to elaborate a model in which affiliative behavior, the dependent variable, is a function of affiliative characteristics, and attributes of the target of affiliation or the situation in which affiliation occurs. Conformity behavior, in a related model, is then expressed as a function of affiliative characteristics and target attributes.

This study explored dimensions which are used to describe persons within closely-knit social groups. Ss in the group were similar in socio-economic starus and used w o independent dimensions in describing one another: another's positive and ncgative reinforcing quality. The sociometric questionnaire which yielded these two factors is a potentially useful device for characterizing an individual within any social organization according to a four-fold classification: positively and negatively reinforcing to others, positively but not negatively reinforcing to others, negatively but not positively reinforcing, and neither positively nor negatively reinforcing. Correlations among the sociometric measures, personality measures, and sex showed that males were less affiliative and were judged as more negatively reinforcing than females.

The present investigation studied the correlates of role (discloser vs. facilitator) and the personality characteristics of Sensitivity to Rejection and Affiliative Tendency in self-disclosing behaviors and social judgments and evaluations of the partner following self-disclosure. Results indicated that disclosers, compared with facilitators, talked more, and had more breadth and depth of disclosure. Facilitators were more authoritative and dominant in their remarks. As predicted, persons scoring higher on Sensitivity to Rejection disclosed less. This finding is consistent with sensitive persons' feelings of vulnerability in social situations. Those scoring higher on Affiliative Tendency disclosed more.

The objective of the present study was to provide a set of basic dimensions for characterizing social behavior. Investigators of social behavior have consistently found three dimensions of social evaluation: power, affection (i.e., positive-negative evaluation), and contribution to group tasks (Bales, 1968). Carter (1954) reviewed a number of studies in which investigators factor analyzed participants' ratings of each other's social behavior following a group discussion. In each case, investigators reported three factors similar to those mentioned above. Couch (1960) factor analyzed a number of variables, including overt social behavior as measured by Bales' (1950) Interaction Process Analysis, personality measures, and postdiscussion participant ratings. Again, the analysis yielded the three factors of power, affection, and contribution to group tasks.