Self Disclosure: Factors affecting Attraction

• What is self disclosure?

  Revealing personal information about yourself, partners will reveal more about their true self as the relationship develops. this and sharing feelings can help strenghten romantic bonds.
• Who came up with the social penetration theory?

  Altman and Taylor (1973)
• Explain the social penetration theory?

  Suggests the gradual process of revealing your inner self to someone. Revealing sensitive information must be reciprocated to go further. There is a gained understanding of each other and the social penetration theory is often a basic feature of romantic relationships.
• What is breadth?

  The various facets of a persons life. eg. work, family, community and hobbies.
• What is depth?

  Details concerning each of the breadth of a person and their specific aspects.
• Too much depth at the beginning of the relationship could threaten the relationship before it begins.
• Low risk information at superficial level, therefore does not mind being shared if the relationship does not work out. eg. favourite colour.

  
• High risk information is shared as the relationship develops. it is more personal and intimate eg. salary.
• Who came up with reciprocity of self-disclosure?

  Reis and Shaver (1988).
• What did Reis and Shaver suggest in their reciprocity of self disclosure theory?

  There has to be reciprocal element to self-disclosure for a healthy and successful relationship. Balance of self disclosure provides a rewarding feeling and deepens the relationship.