PH
Psychologists have experimentally studied whether structured, gradually increasing self-disclosure can create interpersonal closeness between strangers.
This research eventually became famous through the so-called “36 questions.”
But the original goal wasn't to create a magical formula that makes strangers fall in love.
The important mechanism is progressively reciprocal self-disclosure combined with genuine interaction.
The research is better understood as evidence that closeness can sometimes be intentionally encouraged rather than something that only develops accidentally.
© Arthur Aron and colleagues