Assessing the 36 questions as an intervention tool for enhancing interpersonal closeness between young couples residing in Lebanon

Abstract

The current research is based on Arthur Aron’s 36 questions and its effective impact on the levels of interpersonal closeness on romantically involved couples. In a 1997 study, Aron, Melinat, Aron, Vallone, and Bator developed three sets of tasks, having 12 questions in each set that increase in intensity with time, and moving from topics of general likes and dislikes to more intimate questions about past dreams, future dreams, and ideals in life. Aron and colleagues’ results confirmed that the 36 questions increases interpersonal closeness among strangers. However, the effect of the 36 questions in already romantically involved couples remained unknown. Therefore, the aim of the research was to assess whether the 36 questions is an effective intervention tool for enhancing the interpersonal closeness between already romantically involved couples. A convenience sample of 64 heterosexual participants who self-identified as romantic couples with an age range of 19-36 was recruited for the study. The participants were divided into an experimental and control group through random computerized sampling. The experimental group consisted of 36 participants and a control group of 28 participants. Both groups filled in the Inclusion of the Other in the Self (IOS) questionnaire, a scale used to measure how close the participants feel with others. The 36 questions, which is a closeness-generating scale as suggested by Aron et al. (1997), was then administered to only the experimental group, while the control group was given a random list of 36 questions about general knowledge and psychology. Results showed that participants who filled the Aron’s 36 questions showed significantly higher change in the intimacy levels in comparison to the control group who were administered general knowledge questionnaire. The findings of the research suggest that the 36 questions is a useful intervention tool for enhancing the levels of interpersonal closeness for couples who are already in romantic relationship. This study thus contributes to the field of interpersonal closeness and intimacy, especially between heterosexual unmarried couples in Lebanon, an area that is largely unrepresented in the literature. Additional research questions address whether demographic features of individuals in couples affect the extent to which intimacy in increased by the 36 Questionnaire. Specifically, the study examined the effect of gender, education, age, income level, and the length of time in the romantic relationship. The results showed no effect of aforementioned demographic variables on the intimacy level change before and after the administration of Aron’s 36 questions and the general knowledge questionnaire