Describe research into self-disclosure as a factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships
[10 marks]
Self- disclosure refers to the extent to which a person reveals thoughts, feelings and behaviours
which they would usually keep private to a potential. This therefore increases feelings of intimacy.
One strength of self-disclosure is the fact that many predictions of self-disclosure derived from social
penetration theory have been supported by research. Sprecher and Hendrick studied heterosexual
dating couples, and finding showed a strong correlation between several measures of satisfaction
and self-disclosure for both partners; men and women who used self-disclosure were more
committed and satisfied with their romantic relationship. Furthermore, Sprecher later showed that
relationships are closer and more satisfying when partners take turns to self-disclose, thus the
disclosure is reciprocated. Therefore, this increases validity of the theory that reciprocated self-
disclosure leads to more satisfying relationships. However, it is usually assumed that greater self-
disclosure creates more satisfaction but a correlation does not tell us if this is a valid conclusion. For
example, some may prefer to have a partner who is less self-disclosed or that they may open up
later, after securing a satisfying relationship, e.g. spending time together- the more time spent
together, the stronger the bond. Therefore, self- disclosures may not cause direct satisfaction, thus
reducing the validity of social penetration theory of self- disclosure.
One limitation is that it’s not true for all cultures that increasing depth and breadth of self-
disclosures lead to a more satisfying and intimate romantic relationship. Nu Tang et al. reviewed into
disclosures related to feelings about specific sexual practices. It was found that men and women in
the US, which is an individualist culture, self- disclose significantly more sexual thoughts and feelings
than those in China, which is a collectivist culture. However, despite the lower levels of disclosure in
China, the levels of satisfaction were no different from those in the US. Therefore, self-disclosure
theory is a limited explanation of romantic relationships because it’s based on findings from
individualist cultures which are not necessarily generalizable to other cultures.
Lastly, another strength is that research into self- disclosure can help people who want to improve
communication in their relationships. Romantic partners sometimes use self- disclosure deliberately
to increase intimacy and strengthen their bond. Haas and Stafford found that 57% of homosexual
men and women said that open and honest disclosure was the main way they maintained and
deepened their relationships. If less- skilled partners learn to use self- disclosure then this could
bring several benefits to their relationships in terms of deepening satisfaction and commitment. This
therefore shows that psychological insights can be valuable in helping people who are having
problems in their relationships.
[10 marks]
Self- disclosure refers to the extent to which a person reveals thoughts, feelings and behaviours
which they would usually keep private to a potential. This therefore increases feelings of intimacy.
One strength of self-disclosure is the fact that many predictions of self-disclosure derived from social
penetration theory have been supported by research. Sprecher and Hendrick studied heterosexual
dating couples, and finding showed a strong correlation between several measures of satisfaction
and self-disclosure for both partners; men and women who used self-disclosure were more
committed and satisfied with their romantic relationship. Furthermore, Sprecher later showed that
relationships are closer and more satisfying when partners take turns to self-disclose, thus the
disclosure is reciprocated. Therefore, this increases validity of the theory that reciprocated self-
disclosure leads to more satisfying relationships. However, it is usually assumed that greater self-
disclosure creates more satisfaction but a correlation does not tell us if this is a valid conclusion. For
example, some may prefer to have a partner who is less self-disclosed or that they may open up
later, after securing a satisfying relationship, e.g. spending time together- the more time spent
together, the stronger the bond. Therefore, self- disclosures may not cause direct satisfaction, thus
reducing the validity of social penetration theory of self- disclosure.
One limitation is that it’s not true for all cultures that increasing depth and breadth of self-
disclosures lead to a more satisfying and intimate romantic relationship. Nu Tang et al. reviewed into
disclosures related to feelings about specific sexual practices. It was found that men and women in
the US, which is an individualist culture, self- disclose significantly more sexual thoughts and feelings
than those in China, which is a collectivist culture. However, despite the lower levels of disclosure in
China, the levels of satisfaction were no different from those in the US. Therefore, self-disclosure
theory is a limited explanation of romantic relationships because it’s based on findings from
individualist cultures which are not necessarily generalizable to other cultures.
Lastly, another strength is that research into self- disclosure can help people who want to improve
communication in their relationships. Romantic partners sometimes use self- disclosure deliberately
to increase intimacy and strengthen their bond. Haas and Stafford found that 57% of homosexual
men and women said that open and honest disclosure was the main way they maintained and
deepened their relationships. If less- skilled partners learn to use self- disclosure then this could
bring several benefits to their relationships in terms of deepening satisfaction and commitment. This
therefore shows that psychological insights can be valuable in helping people who are having
problems in their relationships.
