Self-disclosure

• What is self-disclosure?

  Revealing personal information about oneself - partners reveal more about their true 'self' as relationship develops
• What effect can self-disclosure have where used appropriately?

  Strengthens relationship
• Who proposed the Social penetration theory?

  Altman and Taylor
• What theory did Altman and Taylor propose that self-disclosure is a major concept within?

  Social penetration theory
• What is the social penetration theory?

  Gradual process of revealing your inner self to someone else - involves reciprocal exchange of information between intimate partners
• According to Altman and Taylor, what are the two elements of self-disclosure?

  Breadth and depth
• As breadth and depth increase, partners become more committed to each other
• A lot of what we reveal at the start of a relationship is superficial
• What term did Altman and Taylor suggest dissatisfied partners do as they gradually disengage from the relationship?

  Depenetration
• What is 'low-risk' information?

  Information we would reveal to everyone
• What is 'high-risk' information?

  Intimate, painful memories and experiences
• What did Reis and Shaver suggest is needed for a relationship to develop?

  Reciprocal self-disclosure
• Who suggested we need reciprocal self-disclosure for a relationship to develop?


  Reis and Shaver
• What is the effect of reciprocal self-disclosure?

  Strengthened intimacy and deepened relationship