Relationships; Self-Disclosure

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Self-Disclosure
Revealing personal info about yourself. Romantic partners reveal more as their relationships develops. These self-disclosures about ones deepest thoughts and feelings can strenghten a bond when used appropriately.
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Altman and Taylor (1973) - Social Penetration Theory
The gradual process of revealing your inner self. It involves reciprocal exchange, when something is reveled trust is displayed so the other must disclose. Over time, they 'penetrate' deeper into each other's lives.
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Breadth and Depth of Self-Disclosure
As both increase, commitment rises. Metaphor of an onion is uses to describe layers, superficial at the surface. Breadth is narrow due to off-limit topics, which is revealed to early can threaten relationships. Deep disclosure is needed down the line
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Reis and Shaver (1988) - Reciprocity of Self-Disclosure
To develop a relationship, as well as increase of breadth and depth, reciprosity must occur. Once something is disclosed, parnters should respond in a positive way and hopefully also disclose something. The balance increases intimacy.
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Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) - Supporting Studies
Studied heterosexual couples and foudn a strogn correlation between self-disclosure and those who believed their partners likewise were more satisifed and committed in their relationships.
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Laurenceau (2005) - Supporting Studies
Studied daily diary enteries and found self-disclosure and their perception on self-disclosure of partners were linked to higher levels of intimacy in long-term married couples. Less intimate couples self-disclosed less.
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Hass and Stafford (1998) - Real Life Applications
Found 57% of gay participants said that open and honest self-disclosure is how they maintained their relationships. Less skilled partners should use self-disclosure to bring benefits to their relationships to deepen them.
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Tang (2013) - Cultural Difference
Concluded that people in the USA (individualistic) self-disclose more about sexual thoughts than people in China (collectivist). Both levels of self-disclosure in each culture is linked to relationship satisfaction. Self-disclosure isn't generalisabl
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Altman and Taylor (1973) - Social Penetration Theory

Back

The gradual process of revealing your inner self. It involves reciprocal exchange, when something is reveled trust is displayed so the other must disclose. Over time, they 'penetrate' deeper into each other's lives.

Card 3

Front

Breadth and Depth of Self-Disclosure

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Reis and Shaver (1988) - Reciprocity of Self-Disclosure

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) - Supporting Studies

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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