Self Disclosure and Social Penetration Theory

Question 1

Define Self Disclosure.

Answer 1

The voluntary sharing of private aspects of the self with another person.

Question 2

Why is Self Disclosure Important in Attraction?

Answer 2

• thought to facilitate attraction and the formation of relationships.
• greater Disclosure is linked to feelings of intimacy (when used appropriately).

Question 3

Who created the Social Penetration Theory?

Answer 3

Altman and Taylors (1973).

Question 4

What is the Social Penetration Theory?

Answer 4

This theory claims that by gradually revealing emotions and experiences and listening to their reciprocal sharing, people gain a greater understanding of each other and display trust.

Question 5

What are the 2 elements involved in Disclosure?

Answer 5

Breadth and depth.

Question 6

What is Disclosure like at the beginning of a relationship?

Answer 6

• it covers a lot (breadth) but lacks depth (it doesn’t explain things in detail.

Question 7

Why is their little disclosure at the beginning of a relationship?

Answer 7

As too much too soon could threaten the development of the relationship and scare the potential partner off.

Question 8

Evaluating: What did Collins and Miller (1994) conclude about SD?

Answer 8

• people who disclose at an intimate level are more liked than those disclosing at a lower level.
• has a ‘halo effect’ as people liked those they had disclosed to.
• liking was stronger if they perceived the Disclosure to be selective.

Question 9

Evaluating: What did Sprecher et al (2013) find about SD?

Answer 9

• more positive assessments were made for participants in the reciprocal condition (turn taking).
• turn taking reciprocity was more likely to lead to more positive interpersonal outcomes.

Question 10

Hass and Stafford (1998) found what percentage of gay men and women used disclosure to maintain their relationships?

Answer 10

57%.

Question 11

Evaluating: Explain why correlational results for SD do not confirm its involvement in Attraction.

Answer 11

• correlation does not provide a cause for the data (greater SD is only associated with more satisfaction.
• also does not say if this is a valid conclusion to draw.

Question 12

Evaluating: What did Tang (2013) conclude about cultural differences?

Answer 12

• self disclosure is only a factor affecting attraction in Western cultures as Americans disclosed significantly more personal details than Asians.