A Man Sitting Next to You in Your Doctor's Waiting

question 49

Multiple Choice

A man sitting next to you in your doctor's waiting room strikes up a conversation with you. Although you do not know this man and don't reveal much about yourself, he tells you all about some very personal aspects of his life. What might an expert on self-disclosure research say about this interaction?

• A) It is unusual because people typically don't self-disclose when in an anxiety-provoking situation, such as in a doctor's office.
• B) It is unusual because it violates society's rules for the way social interaction is supposed to progress.
• C) It is typical of the way people use self-disclosure to get to know one another.
• D) This is typical in that men usually disclose more than women.

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Definitions:

Prosocial Risk Takers

Individuals who engage in behaviors that are risky but intended to help others, demonstrating a willingness to take risks for the benefit of society.

Internally-Oriented

A focus or emphasis on one's own thoughts, feelings, and internal psychological processes.

Externally-Oriented

A focus on the external aspects of life, including the environment, society, and interactions with others, rather than internal thoughts or feelings.

Internal Locus

Refers to believing that one has control over their life events and outcomes as opposed to external forces.