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self-disclosure

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Self-disclosure is a process of communication by which one person reveals information about themselves to another. The information can be descriptive or evaluative, and can include thoughts, feelings, aspirations, goals, failures, successes, fears, and dreams, as well as one's likes, dislikes, and favorites.

Research

29,347 papers

via PubMed

~84 min read

Article

54 sections
Contents
  • In intimate relationships
  • Social penetration theory
  • Reciprocity and intimacy
  • Individual differences in reciprocity
  • Self-monitoring
  • Mood
  • Gender
  • Additional individual differences
  • Nature of relationship
  • Sexual
  • In marriage
  • Process
  • Effects of group size
  • Effects of the environment
  • In therapy
  • Therapists' reasons to share information
  • History
  • Benefits
  • Effects on the client's view of the therapist
  • Environmental contributions to client disclosures
  • Effectiveness
  • Risks
  • Self-involving statements
  • Marital therapy
  • During childhood
  • Purpose of disclosure
  • Reasons for
  • Benefits
  • Development of reciprocity
  • Influencing factors
  • Inhibitors
  • Factors that discourage future disclosures
  • Facilitators
  • Factors that encourage future disclosures
  • On the Internet
  • Features of online interaction affecting disclosure
  • Anonymity
  • Lack of visual cues and physical attractiveness
  • Physical distance and familiarity
  • Pace and control of conversation
  • Individual differences
  • Self-esteem
  • Loneliness
  • Social anxiety
  • Online support groups
  • Dangers
  • Children
  • In education
  • Student to teacher relations
  • Benefits
  • Challenges
  • Culture
  • See also
  • References

Self-disclosure is a process of communication by which one person reveals information about themselves to another. The information can be descriptive or evaluative, and can include thoughts, feelings, aspirations, goals, failures, successes, fears, and dreams, as well as one's likes, dislikes, and favorites.

Social penetration theory posits that there are two dimensions to self-disclosure: breadth and depth. Both are crucial in developing a fully intimate relationship. The range of topics discussed by two individuals is the breadth of disclosure. The degree to which the information revealed is private or personal is the depth of that disclosure. It is easier for breadth to be expanded first in a relationship because of its more accessible features; it consists of outer layers of personality and everyday lives, such as occupations and preferences. Depth is more difficult to reach, and includes painful memories and more unusual traits that we might hesitate to share with others. One reveals itself most thoroughly and discusses the widest range of topics with our spouses and loved ones.

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