A03-Factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships (self-disclosure)

+evidence to support that self-disclosure leads to better quality romantic relationships

Sprecher & Hendrick—> studied heterosexual dating couples and found correlation between self-disclosure and relationship satisfaction

+REAL-LIFE APPLICATION

self-disclosure can be used to support those who want to improve their own relationships

For less-skilled communicators—> they learn self-disclosure that bring many benefits to their relationships (commitment/satisfaction)

-research into self disclosure is correlational

Problematic as cause and effect cannot be established—>may be third variable present like amount of time spent together that increases self disclosure and satisfaction

-prediction that increasing depth and breadth of self disclosure will lead to more intimate romantic relationships is not true for all cultures

Nu tang—>

males and females in USA(individualistic)=self disclose significantly more sexual thoughts and feeling than China(collectivist)

Despite lower levels in china, the levels of satisfaction were no different from USA