Relationships- Factors affecting attraction: Self-disclosure Flashcards
Self-disclosure -
Revealing personal information about yourself. Romantic partners reveal more about their true selves as their relationship develops. These self-disclosures about one’s deepest thoughts and feelings can strengthen a romantic bond when used appropriately.
What is self-disclosure in relationships?
Self-disclosure involves revealing personal information about oneself, such as likes, dislikes, hopes, fears, interests, and attitudes, to a partner. It helps partners understand each other better and strengthens the bond between them
What role does self-disclosure play in relationships?
Self-disclosure plays a vital role in relationships by fostering intimacy and trust. It helps partners feel closer and more connected, especially when disclosures are reciprocal and deepen over time.
What is social penetration theory?
Social penetration theory, proposed by Altman and Taylor (1973), explains how relationships develop through the gradual process of self-disclosure. It involves the reciprocal exchange of personal information, allowing partners to “penetrate” deeper into each other’s lives and gain a greater understanding of one another.
What are the two elements of self-disclosure according to Altman and Taylor?
The two elements of self-disclosure are breadth and depth. Breadth refers to the range of topics disclosed, while depth refers to the level of intimacy in the information shared. As both increase, partners become more committed to each other.
How does the onion metaphor illustrate self-disclosure?
The onion metaphor illustrates self-disclosure by comparing it to peeling back the layers of an onion. Early disclosures are superficial (outer layers), while deeper disclosures reveal more intimate and high-risk information (inner layers), reflecting the true self.
What is reciprocity in self-disclosure?
Reciprocity in self-disclosure means that when one partner shares personal information, the other responds with their own disclosures. This mutual exchange fosters trust, empathy, and deeper intimacy in the relationship.
What did Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) find about self-disclosure and relationship satisfaction?
Sprecher and Hendrick found strong correlations between self-disclosure and relationship satisfaction. Partners who disclosed more and perceived their partners as doing the same reported higher levels of satisfaction and commitment.
What did Laurenceau et al. (2005) discover about self-disclosure in long-term relationships?
Laurenceau et al. found that self-disclosure and the perception of a partner’s disclosures were linked to higher levels of intimacy in long-term married couples. Less intimate couples disclosed less frequently.
How can self-disclosure improve relationships in real-world applications?
Self-disclosure can improve relationships by increasing intimacy and strengthening bonds. Research by Hass and Stafford (1998) found that 57% of gay men and women used open and honest self-disclosure to maintain and deepen their relationships.
Are there cultural differences in self-disclosure?
Yes, cultural differences affect self-disclosure. For example, Tang et al. (2013) found that individuals in individualist cultures (e.g., the USA) disclose more sexual thoughts and feelings than those in collectivist cultures (e.g., China). Both levels of disclosure are linked to relationship satisfaction in their respective cultures.
What is a limitation of social penetration theory regarding relationship breakdown?
A limitation is that the theory suggests relationship breakdown involves reduced self-disclosure, but during breakdowns, couples may engage in deep self-disclosures to save the relationship. This behavior challenges the onion metaphor and the theory’s explanation of breakdowns.
What is the issue of correlation versus causation in self-disclosure research?
Much self-disclosure research is correlational, meaning it shows a relationship between self-disclosure and satisfaction but does not prove that self-disclosure causes satisfaction. Alternative explanations, such as pre-existing intimacy or communication skills, could also explain the correlation.
Does the onion metaphor account for deep self-disclosures during relationship breakdowns?
The onion metaphor does not fully account for deep self-disclosures during relationship breakdowns, as these disclosures may occur even as the relationship deteriorates. This is a potential weakness of the theory.
What are alternative explanations for the correlation between self-disclosure and satisfaction?
Alternative explanations include pre-existing intimacy, communication skills, or emotional intelligence, which could lead to both higher self-disclosure and greater satisfaction. These factors may support or contradict self-disclosure theory depending on the context.
What is a limitation of social penetration theory regarding relationship breakdown?
A limitation is that the theory suggests relationship breakdown involves reduced self-disclosure, but during breakdowns, couples may engage in deep self-disclosures to save the relationship. This behavior challenges the onion metaphor and the theory’s explanation of breakdowns.
Are there cultural differences in self-disclosure?
Yes, cultural differences affect self-disclosure. For example, Tang et al. (2013) found that individuals in individualist cultures (e.g., the USA) disclose more sexual thoughts and feelings than those in collectivist cultures (e.g., China). Both levels of disclosure are linked to relationship satisfaction in their respective cultures.
What is the issue of correlation versus causation in self-disclosure research?
Much self-disclosure research is correlational, meaning it shows a relationship between self-disclosure and satisfaction but does not prove that self-disclosure causes satisfaction. Alternative explanations, such as pre-existing intimacy or communication skills, could also explain the correlation.
Does the onion metaphor account for deep self-disclosures during relationship breakdowns?
The onion metaphor does not fully account for deep self-disclosures during relationship breakdowns, as these disclosures may occur even as the relationship deteriorates. This is a potential weakness of the theory.
What are alternative explanations for the correlation between self-disclosure and satisfaction?
Alternative explanations include pre-existing intimacy, communication skills, or emotional intelligence, which could lead to both higher self-disclosure and greater satisfaction. These factors may support or contradict self-disclosure theory depending on the context.
