Self-disclosure Flashcards
Outline
Relates to the process of revealing information about ourselves to our partner in relationships.
Social penetration theory
The theory uses the metaphor of an onion as at the start of a relationship as you are scratching the surface by revealing a small amount of superficial information like your name and what you are studying.
Next stage
As the relationship progresses, you go deeper into the onion by learning about a wider range of subjects like hobbies and interests. Until you reveal your inner self.
3.
By peeling off the layers of the onion, romantic partners penetrate deeper into each other’s life by learning about a greater range or breadth of areas on a deeper level.
High risk & low risk information
you start off by revealing low risk information (I am good at tennis) before revealing high risk information (I am resentful of my parents due to being traumatised as a child). Revealing too much high risk information at an early stage can scare the person off.
Reciprocal self disclosure
once you have revealed something intimate about yourself, your partner will reveal something equally as intimate. This helps increase trust and commitment and bring you closer together.
Evaluation strength: Sprecher & Hendrick (2004)
who studied heterosexual dating couples and found strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self disclosure. This shows men and women who use this theory are happier in their relationships.
Evaluation strength: real life application
as it can help people who are struggling in their relationships to improve how they communicate by having them go beyond ‘small talk’ so they can increase intimacy.
Evaluation weakness: cultural differences
Tang et al (2013) found that Americans self-disclosed significantly more sexual thoughts and feelings than Chinese people showing that there are issues with generalising this theory.
Evaluation weakness: Duck’s theory
In the dyadic stage, couples revealed their intimate thoughts and feelings about why the relationship was not working. The theory has a negative effect rather than beneficial.
Evaluation weakness: correlational research
as just because self disclosure is linked to relationship satisfaction doesn’t mean that it is the thing that is ultimately responsible for relationship satisfaction.
