Individual differences affecting interviewee expectancies and perceptions of self-disclosure

40 college students who differed on defensiveness and anxiety (as measured by the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale and Shimkunas's Uncertainty Anxiety Scale) predicted, and in a later experimental interview evaluated, their verbal exploration and subjective comfort following a role-induction exercise. Behavioral measures also included content ratings, speech duration, silence quotient, and reaction time. Low-defensive, low-anxious Ss were most successful in their overall participation, whereas low-defensive, high-anxious Ss comprehended role requirements but were restrained in their approach. High-defensive, low-anxious Ss failed to acquire an accurate impression of their role behavior. Contrary to expectation, high-defensive, high-anxious Ss were motivated to comply with situational demands and were not most avoidant. Alternative role-training procedures are discussed in relation to individual differences. (17 ref)