Self-disclosure:

• LIMITATION:

  • may not be true for all cultures that increasing bredth and depth would cause more intimacy in the relationship
  • Tang et al 2013 reviewed research on disclosure
  • he found that women and men in the us (individualist culture) were more likely to reveal thought about sex than men and women in china (collectivist culture)
  • Though self disclosure was low in china, satisfactory level remained the same between the two countries
  • limited explanation as it is based off findings from an individualist culture which cannot be generalised to other cultures
• STRENGTH:

  • Predictions are supported by research
  • Sprecher et al 2004 studied heterosexual couples and found a strong correlation between measures of satisfaction and self disclosure.
  • Men and women who used self disclosure were more satisfied and committed to the relationship
  • In a later study Sprecher et al 2013 showed that relationships are closer and more satisfying when partners took it in turns to self disclose (disclosure is reciprocated)
  • Increase the validity of the theory that reciprocated self disclosure leads to more satisfying relationships
• STRENGTH

  • can help people who want to improve communication in their relationships
  • Couples use self disclosure to increase intimacy and strengthen their bond
  • Haas et al found that 57% of homosexual men and women said that open and honest self-disclosure was the main way they maintained and deepened their relationships
  • Less-skilled partners learn to use self disclosure could bring several benefits to their relationships deepening satisfaction and commitment
  • shows that psychological insights can be valuable in helping people who are having problems in their relationships