Why Do Personal Questions Build Intimacy Between Two Strangers?

Psychologist Arthur Aron’s study investigates the extent to which a series of personal questions can build intimacy between two strangers. The study aims to develop a close relationship between the two strangers through the escalation of vulnerability and self-disclosure. To further explore whether someone can really fall in love with a stranger through a set of questions, the researcher carried out this experiment. Through the experiment the researcher suggests that while, some psychologists may argue that such questions can cause an emotional reaction between two people, the researcher states that a series of questions may not be enough to stir an emotional response.

There are three sets of questions in the experiment. Each set of questions attempts to stimulate a more vulnerable response from the other person. Moreover, as more questions are asked, the questions focus on intensifying the relationship between the two people. When the researcher asks the first set of questions, the partner seems a bit reluctant in talking about his personal memories. Moreover, when asked the question about his life, the partner hesitated for a period of time before answering the question. The second set of questions focuses on the value of friendship and

The theory proposes that cognitive appraisals are always of fundamental importance in determining an emotional response. Hence, appraisal stimulates an emotional process in which initiates a physiological change that compromise the emotional state. There are two main stages in appraisal; the primary stage consists of a person deciding whether the situation is personally relevant. Thus, when the researcher asks the questions about family, friends and relationships, the partner decides whether the questions are relevant to them in the situation. The secondary stage involves the evaluation of coping