RELATIONSHIPS ( SELF DISCLOSURE )

Question 1

What is Self Disclosure

Answer 1

Self Disclosure involves revealing personal information about yourself

Romantic partners reveal more about their true selves as the relationship develops.

These revelations strengthens the relationship if used appropriately

Question 2

What are the two elements of Self Disclosure outlined by Altman and Taylor

Answer 2

Low risk ( early on breadth) - Low risk information is revealed early on in a relationship eg. fav colour

High risk ( depth ) High risk info comes out as the relationship progress eg. something in the past

This builds commitment in relationships ( Reward and trust )

High risk -

Question 3

Evaluate Self disclosure

Answer 3

Sprecher & Hendrick - heterosexual dating couples. Strong correlations between measures of satisfaction and self disclosure

Laurenceau et al - perception of self disclosure in a partner was linked to higher levels of intimacy . Used a method involving daily diary entries

Wortman et al - when individuals believed they had been specially selected for intimate disclosure , they felt trusted and admired and thus rated the person disclosing favourably

HOWEVER

Cultural differences - Individualistic vs collectivist . Tang et al found that sexual self - disclosure of men/women in China

There may be one or more factors - Self disclosure would interact with other considerations such as level of physical attractiveness , similarity of interests/attitudes . Reliability of this SD is questioned