Self disclosure :factors affecting attraction

What is self disclosure ?

Relationship formations built on trust w another person= gradually revealing personal info eg thoughts,feelings,values, experiences

=allowing partner in turn to do this=greater intimacy and more satisfaction

What is social penetration theory?

Altman and Taylor 1973

Gradually revealing emotions and experiences and listening 2 these shared by partner= self disclosure becomes more meaningful as partners ‘penetrate’ more deeply into each others lives and gain deeper understanding and trust

2 dimensions : at start of relationship reveal superficial info = low risk surface lvl info eg tastes, biographical data= LOW BREADTH AND DEPTH = if reveal 2 much 2 soon=threatens relationship

As trust builds= self disclosure gains depth and breadth= high risk info eg painful memories, strong political beliefs, hopes, secrets ,fears

What is the role of reciprocity in self disclosure ?

Reciprocity Reis and shaver 1988

In order 4 relationship 2 dev needs reciprocity as well as increase in breadth and depth

When individual reveals something intimate =hope partner responds in rewarding manner eg understanding, empathy and respond by revealing something intimate to them as well

= needs 2 be balance in self disclosure between both partners for relationship 2 be successful = increases intimacy and deepens relationship

Research support

Sprecher and Hendrick 2004

Heterosexual couples = as SD increased so did relationship satisfaction

Supported by Laurenceau et al 2005 asked ppants daily diary entries about relationship progress = SD and perception of disclosure in partner = greater feelings of intimacy = reverse true 2 = couples comparing abt lack of intimacy = SD less

Supports validity of SD as factor of attraction

Correlation vs causation + counter of real world app

Most support correlational research

Cause and effect not established = less validity

However SD has strong everyday life app eg counselling =improve partners comm skills by skilfully increase in2 SD = higher intimacy and satisfaction

Shows social penetration theory =real world app

Issues and debates

SPT not true 4 all cultures as devved on western individualist cultures, depends on SD type

Tang et al 2013 men and women in US tended 2 disclose more sexual thoughts and feelings than China

However despite lower lvls of SD = lvls of satisfaction no diff from US

Shows SD not requirement 4 sucessulful relationships in all cultures=other factors

Theory culturally biased = NOT GENERALISALE.2 OTHER CULTS

ALSO nomothetic =all types of relationships can’t b explained =applies general law