self-disclosure

Question 1

What is self disclosure?

Answer 1

Self disclosure is the sharing of personal information such as thoughts, feelings and experiences to another person. The amount of self disclosure to your partner is a key factor affecting attraction in a romantic relationship.

Question 2

What is the social penetration theory?

Answer 2

This theory centers around self disclosure, it states that gradually revealing thoughts, feelings, experiences etc to their partner trust is formed. Which means self disclosure increases attraction.

In the beginning of relationships only superficial details such as hobbies and interests are disclosed but as trust builds the breadth and depth of the self disclosure will increase meaning more intimate details such as family values will be revealed. Self disclosing to early can reduce attraction.

Question 3

Reciprocal self disclosure

Answer 3

People expect to receive the same amount of self disclosure as they give. This means the more self disclosure they give the more they expect in turn, this is called reciprocal self disclosure.

Question 4

Strengths of self disclosure

Answer 4

• ) Research by Altman and Taylor found that self disclosure on the first date does not increase attraction levels and is inappropriate. The person self disclosing was seen as maladjusted and not very likeable.
• ) Tal-Or conducted research that agrees with the theory that gradual self disclosure can increase attraction in romantic relationship. Analysis of TV shows such as big brother found that viewers preferred those who self disclosed gradually rather then early.
• ) Kito investigated Japanese and American students in different types of relationships and found that self disclosure was high for both Japanese and American students in romantic heterosexual relationships.

Question 5

Weaknesses of self disclosure

Answer 5

• ) Sprecher found that the level of self disclosure given is a better indicator for liking and loving then the amount of self disclosure received. This goes against reciprocal self disclosure.
• ) It is unlikely that self disclosure is the only factor effecting attraction as other factors such as physical attraction, complementarity of needs or similarity of attitudes need to be considered as well.