Abstract

Rychological Inquiry Copyright 1990 by 1990, Vol. 1, No. 4, 294-323 Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. COMMENTARIES Conceptualizing "Rapport" Irwin Altman University of Utah mental and temporal aspects of relationships, although much Tickle-Degnen and Rosenthal present a thoughtful and of the work focuses on early formative stages of rela- comprehensive analysis of the concept of rapport by identify- ing dimensions and complex patterns of the phenomenon, tionships. The Tickle-Degnen and Rosenthal analysis is con- specifying some of the conditions affecting the display of gruent with modern approaches, portraying temporal rapport, and outlining a program of research. Although their changes in rapport as intrinsic to the phenomenon. And, their proposal is worthwhile as stated, I also see some important contribution is penetrating, as they hypothesize that different philosophical issues implicit in their approach that deserve weightings of positivity, coordination, and mutual atten- attention. As a result, my commentary will address, first, tiveness at various stages of relationships are likely to yield philosophical aspects of their analysis and, second, addi- different profiles of rapport. Implicit in their analysis is the important philosophical tional directions of research and theory on rapport that derive point that time and development are intrinsic aspects of rap-