A03

• * evidence from sprecher & hendrick 2004?

  • looked at heterosexual couples
  • found strong correlations in relationships satisfaction & self disclosure
  • men & women who used self disclosure that was reciprocal were more committed & satisfied with their romantic relationship
  • shows that people in relationships who have self disclosed info leads to people being more attracted to each other & committed to each other in a relationship
• X issues with causality?

  • can establish relationship between self disclosure & attraction but dont know if being attracted to someone makes us more likely to disclose/if disclosing is causing stronger attraction
  • sample only focused on 1 type of relationship - homosexual couples may look for different factors in partners which impact attraction
  • ? internal
  • cannot establish cause & effect relationship between self disclosure & attraction in relationship
  • suggests may be other factors affecting attraction - physical appearance
• * practical application?

  • research in this area has shown us that self disclosure leads to stronger relationships by increasing attraction in romantic relationship
  • can use this knowledge to help couples who are struggling in relationship/maintain relationship by encouraging them to open upto each other & talk to partners about personal info in gradual process by starting at low risk & moving to more high risk disclosures
  • has helped us in real world to help people have happier relationships wih more attraction
• X only effective at certain points?

  • if self disclosure is used too early may actually have opposite effect & leads to decreased attraction
  • eg if someone discloses too much - desires/beliefs/secrets at start of relationship may lead to them not being found attractive
  • if its not done gradually & reciprocated by other mate then can give reverse effects so its not always effective in increasing attraction in romantic relationship