An extension of advice response theory over time

Abstract

We examined advice response theory’s (ART) propositions over time with mixed methods. College students (N = 122) received advice from a close other (predominantly White U.S. friends) and completed surveys preconversation, postconversation, and approximately 12 days postconversation, as well as essays 4 weeks postconversation. ART’s propositions about direct and indirect effects were partially supported: recipient preconversation evaluations of relational satisfaction indirectly predicted later implementation intentions and actual enactment via efficacy ratings. ART’s understudied moderation propositions were not supported when using ability and motivation as moderators, which we selected based on dual-processing logic. Qualitative analyses reinforced that participant views were predominantly favorable and unchanging. They also indicated that dual-processing might vary based on whether recipients remember the advice and factors such as problem and solution complexity, emotional reactions to advice, and ongoing discussions of complex problems in close relationships. We discuss implications for advice and interpersonal research.