Experimental Protocol for Generation of Interpersonal Closeness: Abridged for Small Groups

 This activity moves the group through 3 sets of progressively more “intense” prompts, which aim to allow the group to generate closeness. This is an adaptation of the 2-person protocol of Aron et al. (1997) which can be used for groups of 3 or more people.

First, the group chooses how much time it will spend on each set: 10 minutes to one hour is suggested. Participants set a timer, select a prompt from Set 1, read it aloud, and take turns responding to it. When all have responded, the group selects a different prompt from Set 1, and each participant responds to it. This continues until the time limit is reached, and then the group moves on to Set 2, following the same process: participants select prompts and take turns responding to them. After the time limit is reached again, the group moves on to set 3.

As you respond to the prompts, focus on sharing honestly with the group. When other people are responding to the prompts, try to focus on listening to them openly rather than formulating judgements or responses, or thinking of what you want to say about that prompt.

Alterations to this protocol include inviting people to answer as they feel moved to (ie, not everyone has to answer each selected question) and allowing people to select their own prompts within each set (not everyone answers the same questions). Discuss with your group how to you want to do this activity together.