10.1.5

Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory

Test yourself on Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory

After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Supporting Research for Self-Disclosure

Research supports predictions about self-disclosure derived from social penetration theory.

__Sprecher and Hendrick (2004)__

Sprecher and Hendrick (2004)

  • Sprecher and Hendrick (2004) studied heterosexual dating couples.
  • They found a strong correlation between numerous measures of satisfaction and disclosure.
  • Men and women who used self-disclosure, and those who believed their partner did also, were more satisfied with and committed to their romantic relationships.
__Laurenceau et al. (2005)__

Laurenceau et al. (2005)

  • Laurenceau et al. (2005) found that self-disclosure and the perception of self-disclosure in a partner were linked to higher levels of intimacy in long-term married couples.
    • This supports the findings of other research and adds to the validity of the theory.
__Hass and Stafford (1998)__

Hass and Stafford (1998)

  • Hass and Stafford (1998) found that 57% of gay men and women in their study said that open and honest self-disclosure was the main way they maintained and deepened their committed relationships.
Value of learning self-disclosure

Value of learning self-disclosure

  • If those who tend to limit communication to small talk can learn to use self-disclosure, then this can bring several benefits to their relationships in terms of deepening satisfaction and commitment.
  • These kinds of real-life applications show the value of these psychological theories.

Limitations of Self-Disclosure Theory

Self-disclosure theory is a limited explanation of romantic relationships.

Cultural differences

Cultural differences

  • Self-disclosure theory is a limited explanation of romantic relationships.
  • It is based on findings from Western (individualistic) cultures which are not necessarily generalisable to other cultures.
  • Additionally, the view that increasing the breadth and depth of self-disclosure leads to more satisfying intimate relationships might not be the case for all cultures.
__Tang et al. (2013)__

Tang et al. (2013)

  • Tang et al. (2013) reviewed literature on sexual self-disclosure (disclosure relating to feelings about specific sexual practices).
  • They found that men and women in the USA (an individualistic country) self disclosed more sexual thoughts and feelings than those in China (a collectivist culture).
  • Both these levels of self-disclosure are still linked to relationship satisfaction in both countries.
Correlational research

Correlational research

  • A lot of self-disclosure research is correlational.
  • So although it is usually assumed that greater self-disclosure creates more satisfaction, correlation tells us little about causal direction (i.e. what was the cause and what was the effect).

Relationship Breakdown and Self-Disclosure

Relationship breakdown is characterised by a reduction in self-disclosure.

Relationship breakdown

Relationship breakdown

  • Relationship breakdown is characterised by a reduction in self-disclosure.
  • Using the onion metaphor, couples wrap themselves up once more in layers of concealment.
Theories of relationship breakdown

Theories of relationship breakdown

  • Theories of relationship breakdown often recognise how couples discuss and negotiate the state of their deteriorating relationship to try to save it or return to an earlier level of satisfaction.
  • These discussions frequently involve deeper self-disclosures of very intimate thoughts and feelings. But these may not be enough to rescue the relationship and may even contribute to its breakdown.
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

2

Memory

3

Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5

(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

7

Biopsychology

8

Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

Practice questions on Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Answer all questions on Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium