Psychology relationships : Factors effecting attraction

What is self disclosure in romantic relationships?

Revealing personal information about yourself to another person

How does the stage of a relationship effect self disclosure?

Early stages involve shallow disclosure , deeper disclosure develops as trust and intimacy grows

How does the type of person influence self disclosure ?

People disclose more to trusted or valued partners such as romantic partners

How does personality affect self disclosure?

Outgoing / extroverted / self confident people disclose more likely to disclose , shy / reticent (reserved) / low self esteem individuals disclose less

Why does the nature of the information matter in self disclosure?

Low risk information helps start the relationship help get vulnerable without being uncomfortable

High risk information that carry’s more emotional and social risk creates vulnerability and intimacy

What is reciprocity in self disclosure?

When one partner discloses and the other responds with disclosure creating a balance and trust

What is a fixed behaviour and why is self disclosure not a fixed behaviour?

Fixed behaviour :Innate / involuntary sequence of behaviours

Because it varies with age mood culture, relationship status and cultural circumstances

(depends on the person and the situation)

What does social penetration theory propose?

Relationships develop through gradual increases in the breadth and depth of self disclosure (range of topics and the sensitivity of info disclosed)

What is meant by breadth in social penetration theory?

Range of topics disclosed

What is meant by depth in the social penetration theory ?

How personal / sensitive or intimate the disclosed information is

What is superficial self disclosure in social penetration theory?

Low depth but high breadth information

Basic facts like jobs, hobbies or where someone lives

What is intimate self disclosure in social penetration theory?

More personal and deeper information

Ambitions, past relationship, and family conflicts

What is personal self disclosure in social penetration theory?

Deep emotional and private content

Hopes, desires, insecurities and past mistakes

What is core self disclosure in social penetration theory?

Very sensitive fears, guilt, secrets that are high depth and low breadth

The greatest vulnerability

According to the social penetration theory how does self disclosure strengthen relationships?

Increases intimacy, trust and emotional closeness (deepens layers in the relationship)

What does social comparison theory propose about self disclosure?

People disclose to compare themselves with others and evaluate their own worth

What is upward comparison in the social comparison theory?

Comparing yourself to someone you see as superior e.g more attractive or intelligent

What is downward comparison in social comparison theory?

Comparing yourself to someone you see as inferior e.g less interesting or less successful

How does social comparison theory explain why people disclose achievements?

Disclose achievements to gain self validation if the partner respond with praise or admiration

How does social comparison theory explain disclosure of beliefs and values?

People disclose beliefs and values to assess similarity / differences and judge compatibility with the partner

Why is self disclosure essential for relationship development in the social penetration theory ?

It builds trust , emotional closeness and strengthens the bond between partners

Why can self disclosure be risky?

High risk disclosures create vulnerability and give partners power over sensitive information

What happens if one partner discloses but the other does not ?

Creates imbalance , reduces trust and may weaken the relationship

How does social comparison theory explain the role of self disclosure in attraction?

Partners act as mirrors, affirming or challenging each others self esteem and self image

What did collins and miller find about self disclosure using a meta anyalisis?

Meta analysis showed self disclosure is strongly linked to relationship maintenance and liking eachother

What did lippert and prager find about mutual self disclosure ?

Couples with higher mutual self disclosure reported greater relationship satisfaction

What method did lippert and prager use?

Questionnaire and diaries from 113 cohabiting couples

What did Tang et al find about cultural differences in self disclosure?

American couples disclosed more intimate / sexual details that chinese couples but both had high satisfaction

What does tang et al’s findings suggest about the social penetration theory?

Social penetration theory may be culturally biased because self disclosure norms differ across cultures

What is a key practical application of self disclosure research?

It can be used in relationship counselling to improve communication and strengthen intimacy

Why is self disclosure useful beyond romantic relationships ?

It helps build and maintatin friendships , family bonds and professional relationships

What is an over all evaluation of self disclosure as a factor of attraction?

It is important but not universal, influenced by culture , personality and relationship context