Social Penetration Theory

Question 1

Social Penetration Theory

Answer 1

Altman and Taylor) Thesis: Relationships develop through gradual and predictable stages of self-disclosure

Question 2

Self-disclosure

Answer 2

The act of revealing more about ourselves, on both a conscious and unconscious level

Question 3

vulnerability

Answer 3

for a relationship to develop, a person must allow themselves to become vulnerable to another. the more open up the more relationship develops

Question 4

The onion Theory

Answer 4

The depth of an individuals personality.
Outer Layers: guess by simply looking (height, weight, gender)
Middle Layers: Start talking to them open up (beliefs, faith, prejudices)
Inner Layers: values, self concept, deep emotional longings

Question 5

Reciprocal

Answer 5

The theory that we will reveal information to others only when its reciprocated by them (my fav color is blue, mine is yellow; my fav color is blue, i dont care)

Question 6

What makes us start a relationship? (6 motives)

Answer 6

1. proximity- reveal info based on location, how often you will see them
2. Attractiveness: task, social, physical
3. Responsiveness: others demonstrate positive interest in you
4. Similarity: seek ppl with things in common
5. complementary: opposites attract
6. Rewards: relationship offers more rewards than costs

Question 7

Stages of relationship development/termination(10)

Answer 7

(Mark Knapp) 1. initiating; 2. experimenting; 3. intesnsifying; 4. integrating; 5. bonding; 6. differentiating; 7. circumscribing; 8. stagnation; 9. avoiding; 10. termination

Question 8

Theory of Relational Dialectics (3 forces)

Answer 8

(Baxter and Montgomery) Thesis: in personal relationships there are 3 contradictory and opposing forces:

1. connection v. seperation
2. predictability v. novelty
3. openness v. privacy