Self-Disclosure

• What is self-disclosure?

  It is the purposeful disclosure of personal information to another person.
• What does Social Penetration Theory (SPT) describe?

  • The process of self-disclosure
  • Begins with shallow levels of disclosure
  • Gradually progresses to deeper levels
  • Involves revealing private information, thoughts, desires, and hopes
• How does self-disclosure affect romantic partners according to SPT?

  As breadth and depth of disclosure increase, romantic partners become more committed.
• What is meant by 'breadth' in the context of self-disclosure?

  Breadth refers to the range of topics that are disclosed.
• What is meant by 'depth' in the context of self-disclosure?

  Depth refers to the intimacy and personal significance of the information shared.
• What are the levels of self-disclosure according to SPT?

  1. Superficial: Basic information like job, age, and hobbies
  2. Intimate: Personal ambitions and previous relationship histories
  3. Personal: Insecurities, hopes, and past mistakes
  4. Core: Deep fears and embarrassing moments
• What is the significance of reciprocal exchange in self-disclosure?

  Reciprocal exchange of information is essential for building trust and deepening relationships.
• What can happen if personal information is disclosed inappropriately?

  Inappropriate disclosure can violate social norms and decrease attraction.
• How do attributes of disclosure affect attraction?

  Attraction decreases if a person is seen as disclosing personal information to everyone.
• How do gender differences influence self-disclosure?

  Women are often seen as better communicators and more interested in intimate information, making male self-disclosure more rewarding for females.
• What is the impact of disclosing highly intimate information early in a relationship?

  Disclosing highly intimate information too early may be seen as inappropriate and can decrease attraction.
• What are the real-life applications of self-disclosure concepts and theories?

  • Used by individuals to form stronger relationships
  • Supported by research showing self-disclosure maintains close relationships
  • Can improve relationship quality in couples therapy
• What did Has & Martford (1998) find regarding self-disclosure?

  57% of gay men and women considered open self-disclosure a main way of maintaining close relationships.
• What cultural limitations exist in the application of SPT?

  SPT was developed based on research in Western, individualist cultures and may not apply to collectivist cultures.
• What did Tang et al (2013) find about self-disclosure in different cultures?

  Men and women in the USA tend to disclose more intimate information than romantic partners in China, yet relationship satisfaction is high in both cultures.
• What does the theory state about individual differences in self-disclosure?

  The theory states that women are more likely to disclose intimate information compared to men, but individual variation exists.
• What did Sprecher & Hendrick (2004) find in their study of heterosexual dating couples?

  They found that as self-disclosure increased, relationship satisfaction also increased.
• What did Laurenceau et al (2005) discover about self-disclosure and intimacy?

  They found that self-disclosure and perception of disclosure in a partner led to greater feelings of intimacy.
• Why is it important to note that correlation does not imply causation in the context of self-disclosure and attraction?

  Because attraction is influenced by multiple factors, and self-disclosure alone does not determine relationship satisfaction.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of self-disclosure in relationships?

  Strengths:

  • Builds trust and intimacy
  • Enhances relationship satisfaction

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Inappropriate disclosure can decrease attraction
  • Cultural differences may limit applicability