Self-disclosure Flashcards
(15 cards)
What does self-disclosure refer to?
Self-disclosure refers to revealing personal information about yourself.
What types of information is shared between partners?
Partners share our likes and dislikes and our interests and attitudes. This allows us to understand our partner better, and them us. Self-disclosure plays a vital role in a relationship beyond initial attraction
Who proposed social penetration theory?
Altman and Taylor
What is social penetration theory?
Social penetration theory is a concept on how relationships develop.
What kind of process is social penetration theory?
Social penetration theory is a gradual process of revealing yourself to someone and revealing your inner self, feelings and deep secrets
What does it mean when a person discloses something personal?
It signals that they trust their partner
What must happen in order for the person to disclose more?
The other partner must also reveal sensitive information about themselves (reciprocal exchange)
What happens as they each increasingly disclose more and reciprocate self-disclosure?
They gain a deeper understanding of one another, and the romantic relationship deepens which increases attraction
What does self-disclosure increase?
Attraction
What is breadth?
Amount of self disclosure
What is depth?
How personal the shared information is
What happens as breadth and depth increase?
The couple become more committed together
What do we reveal at the beginning of the relationship?
Low risk information that could be revealed to anyone e.g information about our friends or family
What happens if too much deep information is revealed too early?
It can threaten the relationship development
What information do people eventually disclose in a committed relationship?
They disclose intimate/high risk information e.g painful memories, secrets and strongly held beliefs
