Outline and evaluate self disclosure

Self disclosure

Sidney Jourard used the term self-disclosure to refer to the extent to which a person reveals personal information about themselves to another person. In an early stage of a relationship, self-disclosure can play a vital role in helping us learn about our new partner and could lead to attraction. However, most people are careful about what they disclose.

Social penetration

Altman and Taylor’s (1973) Social Penetration Theory suggests that self-disclosure is a gradual process, with relationships developing as both breadth (variety of topics) and depth (intimacy of topics) increase. Early disclosure is often superficial, but deeper disclosure occurs as trust builds. However, revealing too much too soon may cause discomfort

Relationship between self-disclosure and reciprocity

Reis and Shaver (1988) highlight the importance of reciprocity—for relationships to develop, both partners must self-disclose and respond supportively.

Reciprocal self-disclosure support

Sprecher et al. (2013) found that reciprocal self-disclosure leads to greater liking, closeness, similarity, and enjoyment than non-reciprocal disclosure. Participants in reciprocal conditions formed stronger connections, suggesting that immediate turn-taking self-disclosure fosters attraction more effectively than delayed or extended reciprocity.

A strength of self disclosure understanding of relationships is that we can see the link between self disclosure and liking in relationships.

P - A strength of self disclosure understanding of relationships is that we can see the link between self disclosure and liking in relationships.

E - Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) observed couples on dates and found a close correlation between the amount of satisfaction each person felt and the overall self disclosure that occurred between the partners.

C - However, much of the research into self-disclosure is correlational which means that a causal relationship cannot be easily determined.

A - It may be that it is another factor, such as the physical attraction between partners, which leads to greater self disclosure, rather than the sharing of information which leads to greater intimacy.

One limitation for self disclosure being used to explain relationship satisfaction is that it is not true for all cultures. 

P - One limitation for self disclosure being used to explain relationship satisfaction is that it is not true for all cultures. 

E - Nu Tang et al. (2013) believe that there are cultural differences in sexual self disclosure. In a review of research, they concluded that men and women in the US self disclose more sexual thoughts and feelings than men and women in China.

C - However, despite lower levels of self disclosure in China, the levels of satisfaction were no different from the US. 

A - This may reflect the differences between individualistic cultures and collectivist culture and as such self disclosure theory is a limited explanation of romantic relationships because it bases its findings on individualistic cultures which are not necessarily generalisable to other cultures.

Most support for the concept of self-disclosure comes from correlational research. 

P - Most support for the concept of self-disclosure comes from correlational research. 

E - While there is undoubtedly a link between self-disclosure and greater relationship satisfaction, cause and effect cannot be established, reducing the validity of the concept. 

C - However, the concept of self-disclosure has strong everyday life applications, as it could help improve partners’ communication skills in intimate relationships. 

A - By deliberately and skilfully increasing self-disclosure, couples can achieve higher intimacy and relationship satisfaction. This shows that Social Penetration Theory can be used to enhance romantic relationship experiences.