Lesson 2: Self-disclosure Flashcards
What is self-disclosure?
The revealing of personal information e.g thoughts,feelings and experiences to another person.
What theory is self disclosure a central concept in?
The social penetration theory
What does the Social Penetration theory claim?
claims that by gradually revealing emotions and experiences to their partner, couples gain a DEEPER understanding of one another and display trust.
-Therefore self-disclosure will INCREASE attraction.
At the beginning of a relationship, what type of self disclosure is displayed?
SUPERFICIAL self-disclosure.
(This includes details about themselves, hobbies and interests)
As the relationship becomes more intimate how may this affect self-disclosure?
An individual may GRADUALLY disclose MORE details about themselves e.g family values and difficult experiences.
What happens to attraction when an individual self discloses too quickly? (E.g on a date)
Attraction is REDUCED
What is reciprocal self disclosure?
When people expect the same self-disclosure they give.
The more self disclosure someone gives, the more they expect in return
State a positive evaluation of self-disclosure
(Hint: Altman and Taylor=inappropriate )
Research by ALTMAN and TAYLOR supports the theory of self-disclosure. They found that self disclosure on a first date is INAPPROPRIATE and DID NOT increase attraction levels.
-The person who was self-disclosing was seen as MALADJUSTED and UNLIKEABLE
State another positive evaluation of self-disclosure
(Hint: Big brother)
Tal-Or conducted research which agrees that the FUNDAMENTAL concept of self-disclosure is a GRADUAL PROCESS that can affect attraction for romantic relationships.
Analysis of reality T.V shows like Big brother revealed that viewers did not like contestants who self disclosed early on. They preferred contestants who self-disclosed gradually
