Advice in Interaction: Quantity and Placement of Problem

Prior research has given insufficient attention to the effects of interaction behavior on responses to advice. We drew on theories of advice evaluation and supportive communication to propose hypotheses about the influence of problem-focused behavior (advice, planning, offers, and requests) and its interactional placement for advice outcomes. After naturalistic support interactions with friends, advice recipients (N = 165) completed measures of advice quality, intention to implement advice, advisor helpfulness, and conversational satisfaction. The interactions were coded for quantity of advice, offers, plans, and requests. Advice, planning, and requests affected outcomes in theoretically relevant ways. Findings are discussed with respect to improving theory, and practical implications for advisors