2. What is Self-Disclosure
Transferring 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
3. 1. Who We Are – our personality
ex.
introverted/extroverted, confidence
- the more social a person
is, the more likely they will self-disclose
4. 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)
5. 3. Gender – the male and female psyche are
inherently different
ex. 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
6. 5. Topic – certain topics are more “taboo”
than others
6. Channel of Communication
– actually affects our willingness to
self-disclose
Ex. Online versus face-to-face
7. a. Revealing too much
-“knowledge is power”
-people can use information
for other purposes
b. Rejection/Loss of Self-Confidence
- people might not support or like what
you disclose about yourself
Risks
8. c. Material Loss
- sensitive information, if revealed, can
cause a person to lose his
job, status, ranking, etc.
Risks
9. 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
Rewards
10. 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
Rewards
12. Making Disclosures
RAB-OP
Reason – examine own motivations
Appropriateness – 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
13. Responding to Disclosures
HELBR
Hush – keep disclosures confidential
Encourage – express support for the
person
Listen – listen actively, with empathy and
with an open mind
(don’t) Blackmail – don’t use disclosure
against the other
Respond – reciprocate by also disclosing
14. Resisting Pressure to Self-
Disclose
RIA
Resist – 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
