Self-disclosure

Question 1

Self-disclosure

Answer 1

• reveals our feelings, attitudes, beliefs, memories, to our partner so they understand us better
• strengthens relationship
• has to be a reciprocal element, successful balance in successful relationships

Question 2

Social penetration theory

Answer 2

• Altman and Taylor
• relationships are a gradual process of revealing your inner self to someone
• in romantic relationships it involves reciprocal exchange of information between partners, leading to a deep understanding of each others lives, two elements - breadth and depth -
• onion layers to explain this

Question 3

Research support: sprecher & hendrick

Answer 3

• studied heterosexual dating couples
• found strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self-disclosure
• overall more committed and satisfied with their romantic relationship

COUNTER: fails to include variety of relationships, therefore low population validity

Question 4

Layers of self disclosure

Answer 4

1. Biographical data
2. Preferences in food, clothes , music
3. Goals and aspirations
4. Religious convictions
5. Deeply held fears and fantasies
6. Concept of self

Question 5

Limitation

Answer 5

• self-disclosure is an oversimplification and doesnt consider other factors

Question 6

Laurenceau et al

Answer 6

• support for social penetration theory
• on basis of daily diary entries
• high levels of intamacy and trust were strongly associated with correlation and high levels of self-disclosure