Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Self-disclosure - Coggle Diagram
Self-disclosure
Social penetration theory
Theory by Altman and Taylor
Explores how relationships develop
Gradual process of revealing your 'soul' to someone (your inner self)
All about trust - revealing sensitive, intimate and personal information
Altman and Taylor say that as a couple disclose information more and more they 'penetrate' more into each other's lives in order to gain a deeper understanding of each other
Breadth and depth of self-disclosure
Breadth and depth = two elements of self-disclosure
As both elements increase = more commitment in the relationship
Described as peeling back layers on an onion
Start with simple, less risky information then build up trust to be able to disclose personal, deep information
Breadth of disclosure is narrow due to certain topics being too sensitive or personal to release in early stages of relationship - prevents excessive sharing
As relationship develops self-disclosure deepens
If excessive sharing occurs Altman and Taylor call this depenetration (partners begin to drift and self-disclose less - disengage from each other)
Reciprocity of self-disclosure
Reis and Shaver explain that relationships also need reciprocal element to develop (as well as having breadth + depth)
One partner disclose ---> other partner discloses something
Two-way process where you hope your partner will respond in a way that is rewarding after disclosing something to them
Creates a balance of self-disclosure between partners