Self-disclosure theory

Question 1

What is self disclosure?

Answer 1

• Relationship formation is built on trust with another person
• The act of revealing personal information about oneself to another person gradually

Question 2

How does the social penetration theory explain how a relationship develops?

Answer 2

• Individuals gradually reveal more personal, intimate information about individuals through self-disclosure
• Moving from superficial conversation to a deeper, more meaningful exchanges, thus building trust and fostering a closer connection overtime

Question 3

How does self-disclosure have breadth/depth?

Answer 3

• Gradually increasing both breadth/depth within a relationship typically enhances attraction by building trust, intimacy and deeper enhances attraction by building trust, intimacy and deeper understanding between individuals

Question 4

Why is it important for self-disclosure to be reciprocated?

Answer 4

• It fosters trust, intimacy and a sense of connection. It shows that they are willing to share personal information, creating a balanced environment where neither person feels overly vulnerable or exposed.

Question 5

Self disclosure: Real world application

Answer 5

• Can help people who want to improve communication in relationships
• Haas and Stafford found 57% of homosexual men and women said open and honest self disclosure helped maintain and deepen their relationship
• Could bring several benefits to their relationships. Psychological insights can be valuable

Question 6

Self disclosure: Cultural differences

Answer 6

• Nu Tang et al reviewed research into sexual self disclosure
• Concluded men and women in the US (individualistic culture) self disclose more sexual thoughts and feelings than men and women in China (collectivist culture)
• Despite this, levels of satisfaction were no difference
• It is a limited explanation of romantic relationships, cannot be generalised

Question 7

Self disclosure: Research support

Answer 7

• Sprecher and Hendrick studied heterosexual dating couples and found strong correlations between satisfaction and self-disclosure
• Self disclosure lead to higher satisfaction
• Also found that satisfaction is higher when partners take turns to self-disclose (reciprocity)
• Increased validity

Question 8

Self disclosure: Cant establish causation

Answer 8

• Most research is correlational (inc. Sprecher and Hendrick)
• Assumed greater self-disclosure creates more satisfaction
• Alternative explanations: more satisfaction leads to more self-disclosure or they are independent and caused by a third variable
  -Reduced validity