| Abstract: | Two studies investigated patterns of nonverbal cues between intimates as predicted by schema-based models of behavioral adaptation. In Study 1, participants engaged in a game- playing episode. Consistent with, but extending past research, some adaptation occurred when partners acted uninvolved, used cues signifying low activity, and showed positive affect. Further, satisfied couples were more likely than dissatisfied dyads to reciprocate their partners’positive affect. In the second study, couples discussed upcoming plans. Reciprocity occurred for almost all behavioral composites but did not differentiate satisfied from dissatisfied couples significantly. It is argued that reciprocity should be predicted in intimate relationships and that it contributes to the communication climate of the relationship. Other influences have an important, but lesser, impact. |
