6.4 Self-Disclosure and Interpersonal Communication

Learning Objectives

1. Define Self-Disclosure: Purposeful sharing of personal information to another person.
2. Connection of Theories: Explore how social penetration theory, social comparison theory, and self-disclosure interrelate.
3. Process of Self-Disclosure: Decision-making regarding what, where, when, and how to disclose.
4. Effects on Relationships: Understanding how disclosure affects relational dynamics.

Understanding Self-Disclosure

• Definition: Purposeful sharing of personal information, distinct from unintentional or superficial communication.
• Importance: Can build relationships or lead to negative consequences if mishandled.

Theories of Self-Disclosure

Social Penetration Theory

• Concept: Relationships develop through reciprocal self-disclosure that varies in depth and breadth.
• Onion Analogy: Gradual peeling back of layers, revealing more personal information over time.
• Dialectics: Balancing openness with privacy (e.g., openness vs. closedness).

Social Comparison Theory

• Concept: Self-evaluation based on comparison with others.
• Purpose: Understanding personal standing and self-validation through disclosures.

Johari Window

• Structure: Four panes representing openness, hidden, blind, and unknown aspects.
• Relational Context: Openness varies; close relationships have more open information.

Self-Disclosure in Social Media

• Privacy Concerns: Disclosures on platforms like Facebook and Twitter raise privacy issues.
• Generational Differences: Digital natives may view privacy differently.
• Responsible Usage: Importance of managing privacy and consequences of public disclosures.

The Process of Self-Disclosure

Categories of Disclosure

• Observations: Sharing experiences.
• Thoughts: Including judgments about experiences.
• Feelings: Expressing emotions.
• Needs: Communicating desires or wants.

Decision Factors

• Self-Focused: Relief, support, or fear of rejection.
• Other-Focused: Responsibility to inform or potential risk of information being mishandled.
• Interpersonal: Maintaining trust and intimacy.
• Situational: Contextual factors such as environment and timing.

Timing and Method

• Timing: Early, mid, or late in conversations affects outcomes.
• Channel: Face-to-face vs. mediated communication (e.g., emails, texts).

Effects of Disclosure on Relationships

Process and Interpretation

• Circular Process: Involves discloser, receiver reaction, and subsequent interpretation.
• Attributions: Dispositional, situational, and interpersonal causes for disclosure.

Positive Outcomes

• Relational Intimacy: Enhanced closeness and self-worth.
• Health Benefits: Reduced stress and improved physical health.

Risks and Responsibilities

• Secret Burden: Managing private information responsibly; potential for spreading.

Key Takeaways

• Self-Disclosure Process: Involves sharing personal information and learning about others.
• Social Penetration Theory: Increase in breadth and depth of disclosure enhances relationships.
• Decisional Variations: Factors influencing what, when, where, and how to disclose.
• Receiver's Role: Interpretation and response influence relational outcomes.

Exercises

1. Reflect on personal experiences with excessive self-disclosure and potential changes.
2. Consider negative outcomes from self-disclosure and possible improvements.
3. Discuss conditions under which sharing disclosed information is appropriate or not.

References

• Works by Derlega, Greene, Hargie, Jiang, Jourard, Kornblum, Luft, Nealy, Stefanone & Lakaff.