Self-disclosure
When self-disclosure works out well, it can have positive effects for interpersonal relationships.
Conversely, self-disclosure that does not work out well can lead to embarrassment, lower self-esteem, and relationship deterioration or even termination.
Self-disclosure is purposeful disclosure of significant personal information that wouldn’t normally be known by others.
ex: If I purposefully wear a T-shirt with the name of one of my favorite bands, then this clothing choice constitutes self-disclosure.
Superficial self-disclosure, often in the form of “small talk,” is key in initiating relationships that then move onto more personal levels of self-disclosure.
is seen as a useful strategy for sharing information with others
Reasons and examples/explanations
Catharsis
Self-clarification
Reciprocity
Impression Management
Relationship maintenance and enhancement
Control
We get clearer about what we think or do once we talk about it.
We share hoping the other person will reply with similar information. Self-disclosure is reciprocal…it tends to go back and forth
We disclose certain things to influence how the other person sees us.
Self-validation
We share in order to feel good about ourselves.
anything we share to build and maintain our relationships.
We use information to manipulate
ex: “I need to get this off my chest”
ex: “I’m really confused about something I did last night. If I tell you, maybe I can figure out why I did it.
ex: we want someone to know we like to listen to music so we share a lot about our favorite bands.
ex: we might share we got offered another job in order to get a raise out of our current employer.
Theories
Social Penetration theory
states that as we get to know someone, we engage in a reciprocal process of self-disclosure that changes in breadth and depth and affects how a relationship develops
- Depth refers to how personal or sensitive the information is.
- breadth which refers to the range of topics discussed.
Johari window,
which is named after its creators Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham.
can be applied to a variety of interpersonal interactions in order to help us understand what parts of ourselves are open, hidden, blind, and unknown.
- open information that is known to us and to others. The amount of information that is openly known to others varies based on relational context.
ex: When you are with close friends, there is probably a lot of information already in the open pane
- hidden information that is known to us but not to others.
If the person reacts favorably to our disclosures and reciprocates disclosure, then the cycle of disclosure continues and a deeper relationship may be forged.
- blind pane: information that is known to others but not to us. Engaging in perception checking and soliciting feedback from others can help us learn more about our blind area.
ex: For example, we may be unaware of the fact that others see us as pushy or as a leader.
- unknown area, as it contains information not known to ourselves or others. have to get out of our comfort zones and try new things.
ex: hidden talents, exploring the world, learning other perspectives.
guidelines for appropriate self-disclosure.
Is the other person important to you?
Is the risk of disclosing reasonable?
Are the amount and type of disclosure appropriate?
Is the disclosure relevant to the situation at hand?
Is the disclosure reciprocated?
Will the effect be constructive?
Is the disclosure clear and understandable?
I think self disclosure plays a crucial role in relationships because it really makes me feel closer to someone else if they tell me more about themselves. For example, if someone I just know for weeks tell me about her story in the past or maybe about her relationships, if that is a appropriate disclosure then I will feel happy about it. That is because I feel trusted and feel like the person what to have a closer relationship with me.
personal connection