Relationships- Self-Disclosure (Factors Affecting Attraction)

Question 1

• Self-Disclosure:

Answer 1

People who share information are liked more; this is because when an individual discloses personal information to someone else, this disclosure suggests they trust that person.

Question 2

• Social penetration theory:

Answer 2

Altman & Taylor suggest that as the relationship between individuals develops, interpersonal communication’s breadth (the types of topics) and depth (level of detail) increase from shallow to more
intimate.

Question 3

• Reciprocity:

Answer 3

Relationships will only develop if both individuals are active in disclosing information and responding appropriately.

Question 4

• Attributions:

Answer 4

Individuals consider the motivations behind self-disclosure; someone who discloses to everyone is seen as less attractive than someone who reveals information to fewer people.

Question 5

• Appropriateness:

Answer 5

While revealing information is generally seen as improving relationships, breaking social norms or revealing information too early (TMI) can have the opposite reaction, lowering attraction.

Question 6

✅ Sprecher and Hendrick (2004)

Answer 6

observed couples’ self-disclosure on dates. Men and women were found to have similar levels of self-disclosure, and a positive correlation was found between the amount of self-disclosure and measures of the quality of the relationship (satisfaction, love and commitment).

Question 7

❌ no link

Answer 7

Much of the research on self-disclosure is correlational. So there may not be a causal link; rather than self-disclose causing attraction, we may self-disclose more to people we are attracted to. Or there is a third factor; if we share interests with people, this may lead to both increased disclosure and increased attraction.

Question 8

❌alpha bias

Answer 8

It is generally thought that women are better communicators, more willing to share intimate information. This could, however, be an example of Alpha bias, exaggerating the differences between men and women.

Question 9

Sidney Jourard (1971)

Answer 9

Revealing personal information about yourself-e.g. thoughts feelings and experiences.
More disclosure = greater feelings of intimacy