Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons^™

Self-Disclosure About Cherished Possessions: Effects On Roommate Rapport, Territoriality And Loneliness, Christopher H. Smejkal

Ed.D. Dissertations

This study focused on how self-disclosure about cherished possessions between female freshmen college roommates affected their levels of rapport, territoriality, and loneliness. The research was conducted at a Midwestern university during the first two weeks of the Fall 2011 semester with roommates who were previously unacquainted prior to cohabitation. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, participants were administered three pre-tests during the first week of the semester. In the second phase, they were asked to come back a week later and engage in a self-disclosure session with each other. Roommates in the control group self-disclosed …