Factors Affecting Attraction: Self-Disclosure

• Self-disclosure


  The idea that relationship formation is built on trust with another person, which is demonstrated by gradually revealing personal information, such as thoughts, feelings and experiences that they might share with anyone else
• Self-disclosure


  • Leads to greater intimacy in romantic relationships, and ultimately to more satisfaction
  • Has two dimensions: breadth and depth
• Self-disclosure in relationships


  1. Start with small amounts of information about superficial aspects

  2. Gradually reveal more intimate details

  3. Leads to trust, attraction and emotional intimacy
• As self-disclosure increases


  Relationship satisfaction increases
• Topics disclosed early in relationships

  • Music taste, hobbies and interests
• Topics disclosed later in relationships

  • Religious and political beliefs, family values, difficult experiences
• Self-disclosure is an important factor in maintaining satisfaction and attraction in heterosexual and homosexual relationships