self-disclosure

Question 1

what is self disclosure

Answer 1

when a person gradually reveals thoughts feelings and behaviours (which they would usually) keep private to a romantic partner

Question 2

what does self disclosure achieve

Answer 2

increases feelings of intimacy and commitment

Question 3

what happens to self disclosure as a relationship progresses

Answer 3

increases in breadth and depth until we are prepared to share high risk information

Question 4

who argued that there needs to be a reciprocal element to disclosure

Answer 4

Reis and Shaver

Question 5

who proposed the social penetration theory

Answer 5

Altman and Taylor

Question 6

what is Social penetration theory (Altman and Taylor)

Answer 6

the gradual process of self disclosure means that as partners reveal more about each other they penetrate more into each others lives

Question 7

what is Altman and Taylor’s argument about depenetration

Answer 7

dissatisfied partner self-disclose less as they gradually disengage from the relationship

Question 8

who conducted supporting research into self disclosure

Answer 8

Sprecher and Hendrick

Question 9

what did Sprecher and Hendrick’s research find

Answer 9

• strong correlation between self disclosure and satisfaction
• relationships are closer and more satisfying when partners use reciprocal self-disclosure

Question 10

how can self disclosure be applied to couples therapy

Answer 10

therapists try and increase self disclosure between dissatisfied partners in order to solve relationship problems

Question 11

what are the cultural differences in self disclosure

Answer 11

• women from collectivist cultures are less likely to disclose their sexual thoughts and feelings however do not report lower levels of satisfaction than women from individualist cultures.