The Implications of Communication Technologies for Supportive Conversations: A Dynamic Dyadic Systems Approach Examining Turn Transitions

Although turn-level dynamics involving the back-and-forth exchange of talk between support seekers and providers form the foundation for supportive conversations, they have largely been overlooked by researchers studying the implications of communication technologies for social support. To address this gap, we demonstrate the utility of examining turn transitions using configural frequency analysis to investigate patterns of talk that mark and distinguish supportive conversations conducted face-to-face and via instant messaging. Using secondary data from two experiments in which the medium for supportive conversations was manipulated among stranger dyads, we explore the nature and prevalence of seeker-to-provider and provider-to-seeker turn transitions. The results demonstrated interpersonal coordination in off-topic talk between seekers and providers that transcended the communication medium. Additionally, patterns were observed suggesting that high levels of provider person centeredness were more likely to be generated and influential in turn transitions appearing in instant messaging compared to face-to-face conversations.