CMN midterm pt. 3

What is self-description?

info you’re comfortable telling others

what is self-disclosure?

revealing private, unknown info abt yourself.

2 requirements of self-disclosure

intentionally revealed and involves some risk

2 dimensions of self-disclosure

breadth and depth

What is breadth

#of topics

What is depth?

level of intimacy of what you share

Characteristics of self-disclosure

dyad (2 ppl), reciprocal, over time, increases as relationship develops, rare, can be evaluative/descriptive

4 functions of self-disclosure?

relational escalation, catharsis (makes us feel better), clarification (reveal that we need help), self-awareness (what u are comfy sharing)

why don’t ppl self-disclose?

too risky and isn’t appropriate for situation

Social penetration theory? (Altman & Taylor 1973)

relationships develop by weighing costs and rewards

4 stages of social penetration theory?

orientation, exploratory affective exchange (test waters), affective exchange (frequent self-disclosure), stable exchange (all topics)

Guttman progression

breadth and depth should increase as relationships move through the stages

Norm of reciprocity

both ppl should self-disclose equally in beginning for relationship to develop but once relationship is developed reciprocity is less important.

Hay’s study

greater breadth and depth of self-disclosure predicted stronger friendships. 63% of relationships became close friends in the study.

Flora & Segrin (1999) study

how romantic relationships develop after breakups. 3 components (thoughts/cognitive, feelings/affective, and behaviors). found that behaviors developed before thoughts and feelings.

What is friendship?

voluntary personal relationship providing intimacy and assistance where both people enjoy each others company

4 attributes of friendship

acceptance, support, enjoyment, caring, trust, equality, authenticity

friendship diff from love

less emotionally complex, fewer obligations, less physical attraction, less intense emotional expression

Similarites in friendship and love

respect, trust, responsiveness, capitalization (increase happiness), social support (emotional, informational, instrumental)

optimal matching model

the most effective support is the type the other person actually wants

What is relationship maintenance? (Dindia & Canary 1993)

behaviors used to keep relationship healthy, stable levels, satisfying, or repaired (keep relationship at desired level)

3 critical maintenance behaviors in friendships

openness, supportiveness, positivity

friends-with-benefits (7 types)

true friends, network opportunism, just sex, transition out (ex-sex), intentional transition in, unintentional transition in, failed transition

Social exchange theory

theory explaining/predicting relationship decisions/behaviors by comparing rewards and costs

5 assumptions

social behavior is series of transactions, people maximize rewards and minimize costs, receiving rewards creates obligation, people act in self-interest, relationships involve interdependence (one persons outcomes depend on other persons actions)

interdependence theory

how partners evaluate their relationship based on benefits vs. costs. comparison level: what you believe you deserve; comparison level of alternatives (what you believe you could get in another relationship)

3 hypothesis partner preference hypothesis

similarity hypothesis (match up w/someone w same attachment style), complimnentary hypothesis (preference for someone who compliments their attachment style), attachment-security (all individuals prefer secure partners)

Uncertainty theory