Self Disclosure Flashcards
Self Disclosure Definition
information we choose to reveal about ourselves within a romantic relationship
Aim : to increase intimacy, understanding and empathy between two individuals
Under the condition that its reciprocal
Self Disclosure
Breadth and Depth
As both increase, romantic partners become more committed to one another
Breadth- what we disclose is narrow because some topics are off-limits to begin with - disclosing too much can affect the relationship
As It develops, it becomes deeper removing more and more layers
Makes us prepared to reveal intimate, high risk powerful feelings
Self Disclosure
AO3- Cultural Differences
Tang et al (2013)
Found that men and women in the USA self-disclose more sexual thoughts/feelings than men and women in China
-Western theories of self-disclosure are limited in their generalisability to other cultures because not all cultures require deeply personal self-disclosure for relationship satisfaction
Self Disclosure
AO3- Research Support
Sprecher and Hendrick (2004)
Found a strong correlation between satisfaction and self-disclosure in heterosexual dating couples
-This suggests that self-disclosure by men and women leads to more satisfaction and commitment to their romantic relationships
ISSUES AND DEBATES: Homosexual couples
Self Disclosure
AO3- Correlation
Much of the research into self-disclosure is correlational
-means that a causal relationship cannot be easily determined
May be that it’s the attraction between partners which leads to greater self-disclosure rather than sharing info which leads to greater intimacy
