Self-disclosure

• Self-disclosure

  Revealing personal information about oneself to another
• Collins and Miller (1994)

  There is a preference for people describing in greater detail
• Breadth

  At start of relationship we disclose lots of superficial information
• Depth

  Later on more information gets shared, more personal, intimate
• Depenetration

  People disclose less as they gradually disengage with a relationship (when dissatisfied)
• Social penetration theory

  Reciprocal exchange of information

  Symbolising trust

  Disclosing more is penetrating deeper into the others lives