Findings of interpersonal sensitivity research presented a big surprise to the researchers who were working in this area. This book examines this discovery and how it has completely changed the research agenda for those working in this field of study.

Winner of the 2012 International Association for Relationship Research Book Award

Can we predict how well -- or how poorly -- two strangers will get along? According to social psychologist William Ickes, the answer is yes. Drawing upon relevant research findings from his 30-year career, Ickes explains how initial interactions are shaped by gender, race, birth order, physical attractiveness, androgyny, the Big Five dimensions, shyness, and self-monitoring.

Ickes's work offers unprecedented insights on the links between personality and social behavior that have not...