Factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships: Self-disclosure

What is self-disclosure?

• SD is revealing personal info ab yourself to another person

• info can be superficial + low risk OR intimate + high risk

What happens in the initial stages of a relationship with SD?

• couples often seek to learn as much as they can ab their new partner

• they feel this sharing of info incr attractiveness, brings them closer tg and a greater lvl of understanding betw partners is achieved

• reciprocal disclosure is encouraged by both partners

What is social penetration theory?

• used to expl how rs develop

• at first, SD is likely to cover superficial topics, such as “wyd for work?”, “where do u go on holiday?”

• this is LOW RISK info that we would reveal to most ppl

• as rs + trust develops, ppl share more detailed + intimate HIGH RISK info, such as past traumas, deepest feelings, and desires

• as they disclose, partners ‘penetrate’ more deeply into each others lives, gaining understanding of trust

What happens if you say too much, too early in a relationship?

• can be off putting to potential partner

• incompatibility may be found

• relationship likely to end

• acceptability depends on stage of rs and appropriateness of content

What is an important aspect of SD?

• the reciprocal nature of process

• if 1 person shares more than other is willing to, may be breakdown of trust as 1 person establishes themselves as more invested than other

What must occur for a relationship to develop?

partners must keep disclosing pers info on deeper lvl & on reciprocal basis