Social Penetration Theory proposes that closeness in relationships develops gradually through reciprocal self-disclosure from more superficial to intimate levels of sharing. It views personality as layered like an onion, with more public aspects on the outside and private parts at the core. People aim to maximize the benefits of intimacy while minimizing vulnerability by carefully regulating how much they disclose based on expected rewards, costs, and available alternative relationships. However, the theory has been criticized for oversimplifying disclosure dynamics and overlooking gender and cultural factors.

1. SOCIAL PENETRATION THEORY Of Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor