Abstract

• The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing rapport establishment between Grade 8 students and their teachers. Sample 1443 Grade 8 students from ten selected high schools participated in this study. Teacher-Student Rapport Inventory (QTI) was used. Based on the literature review, Teacher-Student Rapport Inventory was categorized and rapport establishment was considered to be influenced by the eight categories: (1) Disclosure, honesty and respect, (2) Recognizing the person/individual, (3) Interacting socially, (4) Caring and bonding, (5) Supporting and bonding, (6) Sharing, mirroring, mimicking, matching, (7) Availability, accessibility, and responsiveness, and (8) Communicating effectively. According to the exploratory factor analysis results, rapport establishment was influenced by the five factors or components: (1) Availability and care, (2) Social engagement, (3) Ability to reduce tension, (4) Understanding, and (5) Being friendly. There may be more benefits in conducting a longitudinal study using both qualitative and quantitative research methods.