Active Constructive Responding (ACR) is defined as a person expressing excitement, interest and enthusiasm to another person sharing good news (Woods, Lambert, Brown, Fincham & May, 2014). This way of responding is the most effective way to respond, benefiting both the person sharing and the person listening. By affirming the good news, giving encouraging and positive feedback helps build and strengthen a relationship. (Woods, Lambert, Brown, Fincham & May, 2014) Based on research, how a person response to the other person sharing their good news determines the outcome of the capitalization process (Woods, Lambert, Brown, Fincham & May, 2014). Enthusiastic, constructive, and supportive responses has been positively linked with intimacy, commitment and trust in relationships. Individuals, who perceive their partners, as active constructive responders are more likely to be satisfied with their relationship, rarely have daily conflicts and also engage in more exciting and relaxing activities together on a daily basis. (Woods, …show more content…
When an individual feels that their partner is genuine (e.g not interrupting and focusing on the person sharing) when listening to their story, they would be more open to share good stories with them in the future. This brings two individuals closer and also improves their communication skills. (Woods, Lambert, Brown, Fincham & May, 2014) An enthusiastic response is more likely to further their partner’s positive emotions and this would create an upward spiral of other positive emotions (e.g. Fedrickson’s broaden and build theory) and develop deeper interpersonal interactions between the two. Besides that, partners who view each other as active and constructive responders are more like to have higher relationship quality, which includes measures of intimacy. (Woods, Lambert, Brown, Fincham & May,