Self-disclosure , AQA A Level psychology

Self-disclosure = revealing personal information about yourself – important for initial attraction



Social penetration theory: (Altman and Taylor 1973)

 Involves self-disclosure
 Gradual revealing of inner self – deepest thoughts and feelings
 Reciprocal
 Displays trust – sharing sensitive info
 ‘Penetrate’ into each other’s lives when more and more info is revealed



Breadth and depth of self-disclosure:

 Both increase commitment to a relationship



At beginning:

 Lots of info disclosed, but it is ‘low-risk’ and ‘superficial’ info (like first layer of an onion)
 Breadth is narrow – many topics are ‘off-limits’ as they may be TMI or threaten relationship

Developed relationship:

 More layers revealed – depth
 True self shown
 Revealed intimate, high-risk info e.g. secrets, painful memories/experiences etc



Reciprocity:

 Reis and Shaver (1988) say there needs to be a reciprocal element to disclosure
 Exchange of info between partners
 Balance of self-disclosure between partners for it to be successful
 Increases intimacy and deepens relationship



EVALUATION;

 Support from research studies:

Sprecher and Hendrick studied heterosexual couples – found strong correlations between satisfaction
and self-disclosure

Laurenceau et al found link between self-disclosure and higher levels of intimacy in long-term married
couples – used diary entries to assess.