Factors affecting attraction- Self disclosure

What is attraction?

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

What is self dislcosure?

• We tend to disclose more information to those we like

• We like people who reveal information about themselves to us more

• This is thought to be an indication of trust that information will sty between the individuals

Altman and Taylor’s social penetration theory

• self disclosure gradually reveals one’s inner self and displays trust in the other person

• Romantic partners ‘penetrate’ into each other’s lives more deeply

• Once they have shared their deepest thoughts with each other, the relationship has reached a certain stage where disclosures are welcomed and reciprocated

Timing and appropriateness

• Disclosures at the start of a relationship are many but superficial and ‘low Risk’ (outer layers of an onion)

• If we reveal too much too soon we could threaten the relationship before it has got a chance to get goung

• As a relationship develops, more layers are revealed and so is more high risk information about oneself on a wider range of topics

• Breadth and depth both start of narrow and widen as the relationship develops

Breadth and depth

• Breadth: The types of topics that can be discussed- certain areas may not be appropriate until a certain level of friendship

• Depth: The level of information about a topic is reveal0ed such ad information that is emotionally painful

Reciprocity of self-disclosure

• Self-disclosure by one partner encourages the other to reveal information about themselves

• This deepens the relationship between them and increases feelings of intimacy

Research on self disclosure

• Sprecher and Hendrick (2004)

• Used a longitudinal observational study watching couples self disclosure on dates

• Men and women were found to have similar levels of self disclosure

• A positive correlation was found between the amount of self disclosure and measures of the quality of the relationship e.g: (satisfaction, love and commitment)

• Higher levels of self-disclosure are linked to the level of attractiveness felt towards a romantic partner

Strengths

• Altman and Taylor’s theory explains relationship development- helps explain how relationships move from superficial to intimate

• Real world application- used in relationship counselling to improve communication and intimacy

Limitations

• Cultural bias- self disclosure is valued more in individualist cultures than collectivist cultures - in some cultures, disclosing personal information is inappropriate

• Gender bias- research often assumes females disclose more- but men may disclose in different contexts such as activities rather than talking

• Self fulfilling prophecy- It may be that people disclose because they like someone/ feel closer rather than liking because of disclosure