Self-disclosure

• What is a major concept within Altman and Taylor’s social penetration theory?


  Self-disclosure
• What does self-disclosure involve in romantic relationships?

  The reciprocal exchange of information between partners
• What are the two elements of self-disclosure according to Altman and Taylor?


  Breadth and depth
• What does breadth refer to in the context of self-disclosure?

  Sharing a lot of information about certain aspects of oneself
• What does depth refer to in self-disclosure?

  Considering some topics to be ‘off limits’
• What do Reis and Shaver suggest is necessary for successful self-disclosure?

  Reciprocity
• How does reciprocity affect the development of a relationship?

  It creates a balance of self-disclosure between partners
• What are the strengths of self-disclosure theory?

  • Support from research studies
  • Real-life applications
• What did Sprecher and Hendrick study in relation to self-disclosure?


  Heterosexual couples and their satisfaction levels
• What correlation did Sprecher and Hendrick find regarding self-disclosure?


  Strong correlations between satisfaction and self-disclosure
• How does self-disclosure affect relationship satisfaction according to Sprecher and Hendrick's findings?


  It increases satisfaction and commitment
• What did Hass and Stratford find about self-disclosure in committed relationships?


  57% of participants said it maintained and deepened their relationships
• What could be a benefit for 'less skilled partners' in relationships regarding self-disclosure?

  Learning to use self-disclosure could deepen satisfaction and commitment
• What limitation regarding cultural differences did Tang et al identify in self-disclosure research?


  Men and women in the US self-disclose more than those in China
• How are levels of self-disclosure linked to relationship satisfaction in different cultures?

  Both levels are linked to relationship satisfaction in their respective cultures
• Why is self-disclosure theory considered a limited explanation of romantic relationships?

  It is based on findings from individualist cultures
• What are the limitations of self-disclosure theory?

  • Cultural differences
  • Relationship breakdown
• How do theories of relationship breakdown recognize the role of self-disclosure?

  They acknowledge discussions involving deep self-disclosures
• What is a potential outcome of deep self-disclosures during relationship breakdowns?

  They may not be enough to rescue the relationship
• What does the evaluation of self-disclosure theory suggest about its benefits?

  Self-disclosure is not always completely beneficial for relationship satisfaction