Objectives
We investigated whether trait mindfulness from both partners in a social interaction was associated with two critical relational processes—self-disclosure and responsiveness—during conversations between new acquaintances.
Method
Participants (n = 140, 70 dyads) were randomly assigned to engage in a guided conversation with a high or low level of self-disclosure. The conversation was video-recorded and videos were coded by trained research assistants for the relational behaviors of self-disclosure (how much personal information was shared about oneself) and responsiveness (how much understanding, caring, and validation was demonstrated towards one’s partner). Using a longitudinal actor-partner interdependence model, we analyzed the relationship between the five facets of mindfulness (Observing, Nonreactivity, Acting with Awareness, Describing, and Nonjudging) and self-disclosure and responsiveness. We also examined whether people’s behaviors were associated with their own mindfulness and the mindfulness of their partners.
Results
Two key findings emerged. First, people who were higher on the mindfulness facet of Observing were more likely to self-disclose and to be responsive. Second, people were also more likely to self-disclose and be responsive when they interacted with partners who themselves were higher on the mindfulness facet of Observing.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that mindfulness plays a role in initial social interaction. Our results indicate that one’s own trait mindfulness is linked with the relational processes of self-disclosure and responsiveness in conversations with new acquaintances and that even the mindfulness of people’s interaction partners who they have just met may shape their own social behaviors.