Factors Affecting Attraction - Self Disclosure

Define ‘attraction’

The action or power of evoking interest in or liking for someone or something

What is self disclosure?

We tend to disclose more information to those we like, and like people who reveal more information about themselves to us more. This is thought to be an indication of trust that information will stay between the individuals

Altman and Taylor - Social Penetration Theory (SPT)

Suggest that as the relationship between individuals develops, the breadth and depth of interpersonal communication increases from shallow levels to become more intimate

• Breadth

• Depth

SPT - Breadth

The types of topics that can be discussed, certain areas may not be appropriate until a certain level of friendship

SPT - Depth

Level of information about a topic that is revealed such as information that is emotionally painful

Reciprocity..

Relationships will only develop if both individuals are active in both disclosing information and responding in an appropriate way

Attributions..

Individuals consider the motivations behind self disclosure, someone who is seen to disclose to anyone, is seen as less attractive than someone who discloses to us because they see us as special

Appropriateness..

While revealing information is generally seen as improving relationships, breaking social norms or revealing information too early (TMI) can have the opposite reaction, lower attraction