responsiveness
n. a process in which interaction partners attend to and respond supportively to each other’s needs, wishes, and circumstances, thereby promoting each other’s well-being. Responsiveness originates in partners’ perceptions of each other’s needs and desires, as well as their goals in an interaction, and is most directly revealed in their reactions to each other. It is expressed in both words and nonverbal behavior (e.g., a warm smile). Extensive research has shown that responsiveness is a key feature of successful close relationships and is directly related to liking, intimacy, trust, and commitment. In developmental research, parental responsiveness, defined in terms of behavior that is sensitive to the child’s needs, is thought be central to the child’s development a sense of security and positive self-concept.