Fifty-six sailors individually participated in a lengthy interaction session, ostensibly with another sailor (an experimenter confederate). They were subjected to one of four reward/cost expectancies (Continuous Positive, Later Positive, Continuous Negative, and Later Negative). Social penetration processes studied were average time talked, breadth and depth of interpersonal exchanges (self-disclosure). Ss were also required to express room design preferences assuming confinement with their alleged partners. A summary analyses of variance yielded results indicating greater increases over time in average time talked in the positive groups, a "contrast effect" in later positive groups, greater exchanges when Ss could not withdraw and when reinforcement was positive, and preference for living apart after a negative experience. The results were interpreted to suggest that interpersonal relationships are managed not only through verbal communication, but also through arrangement and utilization of space. (Author)