Factors affecting attraction: Self disclosure

Question 1

what are the factors affecting attraction

Answer 1

• self disclosure
• physical attractiveness
• filter theory

Question 2

Outline self disclosure as a FAA
- self disclosure

Answer 2

idea behind self-disclosure is that the revealing of personal information about oneself to another individual is crucial to the development of a closer, more intimate romantic relationship.

Question 3

studies into self disclosure

Answer 3

**Altman and Taylor (1973)

Reis and Shaver (1988)**

Question 4

Outline self disclosure as a FAA
- Altman and Taylor (1973)

Answer 4

Altman and Taylor (1973): relationships develop through gradual increases in the breadth and depth of self-disclosed information between individuals.

Disclosure of personal info seen as rewarding, signals their liking of us/ desire to be more intimate with us.

Fits idea of social exchange: individuals are more attracted to those who provide them with rewarding outcomes.

Question 5

Outline self disclosure as a FAA
- Reis and Shaver (1988)

Answer 5

Reis and Shaver (1988): SD must be reciprocal if a relationship is to develop.

Person discloses highly personal information in the hope that their partner will respond with understanding as well as own intimate thoughts and feelings.

balance of SD between romantic partners increases intimacy and deepens relationship.

Question 6

Evaluate self disclosure as a FAA
STRENGTHS

Answer 6

P) Support from Laurenceau et al (2005)
E) SD and perception of SD in a partner linked to higher levels of intimacy in long-term married couples.
E) less intimate couples self-disclosed less often.
L) valid theory

P) support from Hass and Stafford (1998)
E) 57% of gay men and women said open/honest SD = main way they maintained/deepened their committed relationships.
E) using SD skilfully can help individuals to form relationships.
L) partners who are less-skilled in communication eg. limit themselves to ‘small-talk’ can learn to use SD: benefits relationship - greater satisfaction and commitment
E) practical apps eg couples therapy

Question 7

Evaluate self disclosure as a FAA
LIMITATIONS

Answer 7

P) research into FAA largely based on correlational data
E) only establishes a link but cannot say that one co-variable ‘caused’ the change in the other.
E) eg. assumed that greater self-disclosure causes more satisfaction - may not be the case
L) misleading

P) research into FAA lacks temporal validity.
E) rise of online dating (e.g. dating apps like Tinder) in recent years dramatically changed the process of beginning a romantic relationship, compared to 30 years ago.
E) eg. issues w self-disclosure changed in nature as people present themselves in different ways online as opposed to face-to-face (eg easier online)
L) less likely to be limited when looking for a romantic relationship online, new theories required

P) research into FAA suffer from cultural bias
E) most theories have been proposed by Western researchers in individualist cultures eg US (needs of individual) rather than collectivist cultures eg India or China (needs of gc) -> only explain romantic relationships in this type of culture.
E) eg, how the individual views levels of disclosure = less important in collectivist cultures (more focused on the needs of others than their own satisfaction)
L) explanations of attraction are limited as not universal