Self disclosure

Social Penetration theory

Breath and Depth of Disclosure

Reciprocity of Self-disclosure

Correlation between several measures of satisfaction and self-disclosure

Research to support- Sprecher and Hendrick

Laurenceau at al- Diary entries summarising whether the relationships were satisfactory or not

Higher levels of self-disclosure; linked to higher levels of intimacy

First hand data, provides strong supporting evidence and validity

Real-life application

57% of Gay men and women- main way they maintained their relationship

Couples are encouraged to share deeper thoughts to strengthen relationship

Cultural Differences

Although deeper levels of self-disclosure is believed to strengthen relationships -Not true of all Cultures.

Western Cultures- disclose more sexual thoughts than the East.

Self disclosure theory is ethnocentric, because it's based on findings in the West.

Ducks Theory

When relationships are breaking down they mean a higher level of self-disclosure. Yet, this doesn't solve the issue