Self-disclosure

Self-disclosure in relationships

• The revealing of personal information about oneself to another individual we like

• In theory, we reveal more to people we like, and we like people who reveal more info to us

• This is a crucial element to early stages of romantic relationships

Social penetration theory (Altman & Taylor - 1973)

• Gradual process of revealing your inner self to someone

• In romantic relationships, this involves the reciprocal exchange of information between partners

• When you reveal info, it displays trust, to go further the partner must also reveal sensitive information

• You gain a greater understanding of each other

Breath and depth of self-disclosure (Altman & Taylor - 1973)

• Breadth: At the start of the relationship, we disclose a lot of superficial ‘on the surface’ information

• Depth: As the relationship progresses, self-disclosure becomes deeper, more intimate and high risk information shared

• As the breadth and depth of self-disclosure increases, romantic partners become more commited to each other

Reciprocity of self-disclosure (Reis & Shaver 1988)

• Disclosure must be reciprocal

• Once you disclose something that reveals your true self, hopefully your partner will respond in a way that is rewarding, with understanding, empathy and their own intimate thoughts and feelings

• This leads to a balance of self-disclosure between both partners, deepening the relationship

Additional factors in self-disclosure

• Laurenceau et al (2005) found that self-disclosure and the perception of self-disclosure in a partner were linked to higher levels of intimacy in long-term married couples

• This supports the findings of other research and adds to the theory’s validity

Research Support (+)

• Sprecher & Hendrick (2004) studied heterosexual dating couples and found strong correlations between measures of satisfaction and self-disclosure.

• Therefore, they are more satisfied and committed to the relationship

Applications (+)

• Hass & Stafford (1998) found 57% of gay men and women in their study said open and honest disclosure was how they maintained their relationships.

• Therefore, research into self-disclosure can help people who want to improve communication and can also increase intimacy and strengthen bonds

Reductionist (-)

• There are other explanations of attractiveness that may be more convincing, e.g. evolutionary explanations of attractiveness state that traits associated with attractiveness act as indications of good genetic information and health, by choosing an attractive partner ensuring a healthy partner and child.

Cultural bias (-)

• Tang et al (2013) found that American couples disclose more sexual and intimate details than Chinese couples, yet both reported high relationship satisfaction

• What is considered ‘normal’ in one culture might not be the same elsewhere, so Western theories may not apply universally