Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory

Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 9.1.2

Supporting Research for Self-Disclosure

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

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) 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) 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.

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.

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

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) 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.

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 is characterised by a reduction in self-disclosure.

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 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.

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.
What does this finding add to self-disclosure theory?
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. What is this an example of?
What is the main limitation of self-disclosure theory as an explanation for romantic relationships?
How do couples often try to save their deteriorating relationship?