Self-Disclosure

• Self Disclosure 


  When we disclose personal and intimate information to a potential partner. We talk about a range of low risk topics such as likes and dislikes, hobbies and family. It plays a part in the development of romantic relationships
• Social Penetration Theory (Altman & Taylor 1973)

  As time goes on we increase the depth of self-disclosed information and we reveal more private and personal information, showing we wan to develop trust and intimacy and gain a greater understanding of each other.
• Reciprocity of Self-Disclosure (Reis & Shaver 1988)


  Disclosure needs to be reciprocal to have an influence on relationship satisfaction. Non-reciprocal disclosures do not lead to the formation of a relationship.
• Evaluation of Self Disclosure:

  (P) supporting evidence

  (E)Sprecher and Hendrick (2004)

  (E) in a study of heterosexual couples at the start of their relationship, positive correlations between satisfaction and commitment with reciprocal self-disclosure

  (L) showing individuals who use self-disclosure are more committed to each other and satisfied in the relationship
• Self-Disclosure Evaluation:

  (P) real life applications

  (E) Hass and Stafford (1998)

  (E) found 57% of gay men and women reported that open and honest self-disclosure was a maintenance strategy. Couples can be encouraged to increase self-disclosure in order to deepen their own relationship

  (L) suggesting identifying how a relationship can breakdown without self-disclosure can be used to save relationships by developing maintenance strategies. Also importing for homosexual relationships, increasing validity
• Self-Disclosure Evaluation:

  (P) beta biased

  (E) unfairly minimises the differences between men and women

  (E) Dindia & Allen found women rated intimate disclosures by a partner more favourably than men

  (L) meaning the role of self-disclosure may be a better explanation of attraction in women rather than men