Features and effects of advice in supportive interactions in two cultures
Abstract
Three studies were conducted to: (a) examine features of effective advice in supportive interactions, and (b) investigate the extent to which what counts as effective advice is similar and different across cultures. Study 1 examined the nature and relative influence of a set of stylistic, source, and content features of advice on responses to advice. 319 Chinese college students and 262 American college students filled out surveys that asked them to report on their recalled responses to a piece of advice they actually received. Data from Study 1 demonstrated that the selected stylistic, source, and content characteristics of advice had varying degrees of impact on American and Chinese reactions to advice. Study 2 assessed whether explicit articulations of response efficacy, feasibility, absence of limitations, and facework were effective strategies of advice giving in supportive interactions. 227 Chinese college students and 248 American college students read and responded to a hypothetical scenario in which they received advice from a friend. The findings of Study 2 demonstrated that, for Chinese and Americans, advice was more effective When advice givers outlined the efficacy of the advised action, explained the feasibility of undertaking the advised action, addressed the potential limitations of the advised action, and employed politeness strategies when giving advice. Study 3 tested an integrated model of advice giving, which specifies three sequential moves in supportive interactions involving advice: emotional support—problem inquiry and analysis—advice. 220 Chinese college students and 431 American college students read and responded to a hypothetical scenario in which they encountered a problem and received advice from a friend. The results of Study 3 indicated that advice that was offered following the proposed model was perceived as more effective than advice that did not follow this sequential pattern. Overall, the results of the three studies revealed that Americans and Chinese are very similar in the way they process advice messages. Implications and limitations of the three studies' findings, as well as directions for future research were discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Burleson, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Communication
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