Self-disclosure Evaluation

Question 1

What is the mnemonic for this evaluation?

Answer 1

. Cultural validity
. Differences online vs face to face
. Research support BUT correlational problems
. Real life application

Question 2

What was the procedure, findings and conclusion of Sprecher and Hendrick (2004)?

Answer 2

. Studied heterosexual dating couples
. Found strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self-disclosure
Conclusion: men and women who used self-disclosure and believed their partners did likewise were more satisfied with and committed to romantic relationship

Question 3

What is the problem with Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) and much of the supporting evidence for self-disclosure?

Answer 3

It cannot establish causation as there is only a correlation.
- Increased self-disclosure is thought to deepen satisfaction in a romantic relationship according to social penetration theory
- it may be that satisfaction from external factors increases the level of self-disclosure
Therefore, it is difficult to conclude the validity of the second point made on this flashcard

Question 4

What research generalised the findings of self-disclosure to homosexuals and what was the study?

Answer 4

Hass and Stafford (1998)
- 57% of gay men and women in their study said that open and honest self-disclosure was the best way of maintaining and deepening a committed relationship

Question 5

How has research such as Hass and Stafford (1998) helped to put real-life applications onto self-disclosure research?

Answer 5

. Romantic partners can use self-disclosure skilfully to increase intimacy and strengthen bond
. Introverts who may limit themselves to ‘small talk’ can try to focus conversation on self-disclosure to deepen the relationship

Question 6

What is the problem with the Hass and Stafford (1998) study desiring open self-disclosure?

Answer 6

There are serious individual differences in preferences for self-disclosure as well as the type of relationship
- should be very careful what risk level of disclosure you reveal depending on your partner and how long you’ve been together

Overall: it’s not always right to be too ‘open’