Self-Disclosure

What is Self-DisclosureTransferring information from the

hidden self to the open self

Can be consciously or unconsciously done

Includes disclosing information about others which will impact oneself

Irreversible

1. Who We Are – our personalityex. introverted/extroverted, confidence

- the more social a person is, the more likely they will self-disclose

2. Culture – different cultures have different views on self-disclosure, and the topics you disclose about

Ex. masculine versus feminine cultures(the showing of emotions)

3. Gender – the male and female psyche are inherently differentex. women tend to disclose more than men

4. The Listener – the no. of listeners (generally, the more listeners, the less willing to self-disclose)

- the relationship with the listener/listeners

- liking those with whom you self-disclose

- the dyadic effect

5. Topic – certain topics are more “taboo” than others

6. Channel of Communication – actually affects our willingness to

self-discloseEx. Online versus face-to-face

RisksRisks

a. Revealing too much-“knowledge is power”-people can use informationfor other purposes

b. Rejection/Loss of Self-Confidence- people might not support or like what

you disclose about yourself

RisksRisks

c. Material Loss- sensitive information, if revealed, can

cause a person to lose his job, status, ranking, etc.

RewardsRewards

1. Self-Knowledge/Understanding - gain insight and a new perspective on

oneself

2. Coping with Problems - lighten the “burden” of a problem - support/advice coming from others

helps

RewardsRewards

3. Improving Communication with Others- the more we understand the other

person, the better we can communicate with them

4. Establish Meaningful Relationships- self-disclosing shows trust to that

person, while listening to the other shows respect and care

Guidelines for Self-Disclosing1. Making Self-Disclosures

2. Responding to Disclosures

3. Resisting Pressure to Self-Disclose

Making DisclosuresRAB-OP

Reason – examine own motivationsAppropriateness – is the context,

relationship, time and place appropriate?

Burdens – consider the burdens the disclosure might cause you or the listener

Other Person - give others a chance to reciprocate with their own disclosures

Responding to DisclosuresHELBR

Hush – keep disclosures confidentialEncourage – express support for the

personListen – listen actively, with empathy

and with an open mind(don’t) Blackmail – don’t use disclosure

against the otherRespond – reciprocate by also

disclosing

Resisting Pressure to Self-Disclose

RIAResist – don’t get pushed into saying something you don’t want to

Indirect – change the topic and avoid questions that prompt you to self-disclose

Assert Position – directly but respectfully refuse