Relationships

Question 1

Factors affecting attraction- self disclosure

Answer 1

Revealing personal info to the partner, allowing the relationship to develop. Share likes/ hopes/ attitude. People are careful about what they disclose at first, but it can strengthen a bond when used appropriately.

Question 2

Factors affecting attraction- self disclosure

Social penetration theory

Answer 2

Altman and Taylor (1973)
The gradual process of revealing your inner self to someone. It involves the reciprocal exchange of info between romantic partners. Revealing info displays trust, which must be reciprocated. They then gain a greater understanding of each other.

Question 3

Factors affecting attraction- self disclosure

Breadth and depth of self disclosure

Answer 3

As these increase partners become more committed. We reveal a lot at the start of relationships but it is mostly superficial ‘low risk’ info we would reveal to anyone. Too much too soon could threaten the relationship before it has had a chance to get going. As the relationship develops self disclosure deepens and more layers to our true self are revealed. Eventually we reveal ‘high risk’ info such as memories, beliefs and experiences.

Question 4

Factors affecting attraction- self disclosure

Strengths

Answer 4

Research support (Sprecher and Hendrick)
Found strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self disclosure. Men and women who used self disclosure and believed their partner did likewise were more satisfied with and committed to their relationship.
Real life application
Self disclosure research can help improve communication in relationships. Partners use self disclosure skilfully from time to time to increase intimacy.

Question 5

Factors affecting attraction- self disclosure

Limitations

Answer 5

Cultural differences
Increasing breadth and depth of self disclosure won’t lead to more satisfying relationship in all cultures. It can depend on the type of self disclosure. Tang et al found men and women in the USA (individualist) self disclose more sexual thoughts and feelings than those in china (collectivist). Both levels of self disclosure are linked to relationship satisfaction in those cultures. It is therefore a limited explanation which is difficult to generalise.

Question 6

Sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour

Answer 6

An evolutionary explanation of partner preference. Characteristics increasing reproductive success are passed on through generations.
Anisogamy-differences between gametes. Gives rise to different mating strategies.
Inter-sexual selection-female (quality). Females have greater commitment of time energy and resources.