4. Factors affecting attraction: self-disclosure (SPT) Flashcards
What is self-disclosure
When someone reveals information about themselves to someone else.
We disclose information to those we like and like people who self-disclose.
Self-disclosure in a relationship
It is vital as it develops an understanding between two people. It is an indication of trust.
Appropriateness of self disclosure
Disclosing highly intimate info can be seen as violating social norms - especially at the start of a relationship.
This can decrease attraction and be an indication of lack of social skills.
Factors that influence self-disclosure
Personality: Extroverted have an easier time forming relationships and are more likely to disclose earlier on.
Mood: Happy = optimistic and confident, more likely to share. Negative mood = restrained and discrete
Attributions for disclosure
Kleinke found people who are selective with who they disclose to are seen as more attractive.
Wortman found those selected for disclosure felt trusted and admired.
Those who self disclose to everybody = less attractive
Social penetration theory
Altman and Taylor, relationships develop through two dimensions: increased breadth (range of content) and depth (quality) of self-disclosure between two people
1) Features of SPT: Self disclosure
- Limited at the start
- Gradual process
- Revealing info is a sign of trust
- Revealing superficial info (music, hobbies)
- Partner has to reciprocate
2) Features of SPT: Penetration leads to development
- As romantic partners disclose, they ‘penetrate’ deeper into eachothers life
3) Features of SPT: Breadth is narrow
- Breadth is the types of topics that are discussed
- Breadth is narrow at the start because too much info may be off putting = one partner quits
4) Features of SPT: Depth increases
- Depth is the level of information about a topic (emotional pain)
- As the relationship develops, more layers are revealed
- Intimate info like secrets and trauma experiences will be revealed
Reciprocity of self-disclosure
Reis and Shaver
For a relationship to develop, and increase in breadth and depth, there must be reciprocity to self-disclosure.
After disclosure, partner responds with empathy and understanding and their own feelings.
Increases intimacy and develops the relationship.
AO3 - Real life application
Real life application
Hass found 57% gay men and women said self-disclosure was the way they deepened their relationships. Shows its important and can help those in relationship problems
AO3 - Linked to relationship breakdown
It is linked to relationship breakdown too
Duck’s phase model of the breakdown of relationships says couples discuss their relationship with each other (self-disclosure) yet this won’t always save a relationship
Suggests increased self-disclosure may not always have positive development
AO3 - Research support
Research support
Research found a strong correlation between self-satisfaction and self-disclosure. Those who self-disclosed and received it back were more satisfied when committing to the relationship. This increases validity of the theory when saying self-disclosure leads to more satisfying relationships.
