Self Disclosure

Self disclosure

Refers to revealing more information to those we like and liking people who reveal information about themselves to us.

• indication of trust

• leads to greater intimacy

Altman & Taylor

Suggested as the relationship develops, as does the breadth and depth of communication: social penetration theory

Social penetration theory

Communication increases in breadth and depth increasing intimacy of the relationship.

Breadth

The types of topics discussed

Depth

Level of information about a topic that is revealed.

De-Penetration

Dissatisfied partners self disclose less as they disengage from the relationship.

Onion Metaphor

A persons self has multiple layers with each layer representing different degrees of personal information

Reciprocity

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

Reis & Shaver (Reciprocity)

Highlighted the importance of reciprocity in relationships.

Attributions

Individuals consider the motivations beind self disclosure: someone who discloses to everyone is seen less attractive and special and someone who only discloses to us.

Appropriateness

Breaking social norms or revealing information too early can have the opposite reaction.

A03 Research Support: Sprecher & Hendrick

• Longitudinal observational study

• couples disclose on dates

• strong correlations between satisfaction and self disclosure for both partners.

• more reciprocation lead to more committed relationships.

A03 Research support: Relationship improvement

• Self disclosure can be used intentionally to increase intimacy in relationships

• Found 57% of homosexual people said open and honest self disclosure was the main way they maintained and deepened their relationships.

• Important insight for those having issues in their relationships.

A03 Cultural bias

• Prediction that bredth and depth increased satisfation in relationships is culturally bias.

• Tang et al found men and women in the USA tended to disclose more sexual thoughts and feelings than romantic partners in China.

• Low levels of self diclosure in China, but satisfaction also high.

• Self disclosure is a limited explanation that cannot be generalised.