Social Penetration Theory proposes that relationships develop gradually through self-disclosure, moving from superficial to intimate. It involves peeling back layers like an onion to reveal more private and personal aspects of oneself. Relationships progress through stages from orientation where communication is superficial, to exploratory exchange where personalities emerge, to affective exchange marked by spontaneous intimate sharing between close friends and partners. Reciprocity and assessing the rewards versus costs determine whether a relationship will continue to deepen or dissolve.

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SOCIAL PENETRATION THEORY
Chapter Overview
 SPT at a Glance
 Introduction
 Assumptions of SPT
 “Tearing Up” the Relationship
 Self-Disclosure
 A Social Exchange
 Stages of the Social Penetration Process
 Integration and Critique
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Chapter 10

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SPT at a Glance
 Developed to understand the relational
closeness between two people
 Interpersonal relationships evolve gradually
and predictably
 Superficial relationships progress to intimate
relationships through self-disclosure
 Self-disclosure leads to more intimate
relationships and vulnerability
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distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
Introduction
 Social penetration is the process of
bonding that moves a relationship from
superficial to more intimate.
 Includes verbal, nonverbal, and
environmentally oriented behaviors
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Introduction
 Dimensions of intimacy:
 Physical
 Intellectual
 Emotional
 Shared activities
 Discussions about social penetration
began in the 1960s and 1970s when open
and candid communication was highly
valued
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Assumptions of SPT
 Relationships progress from nonintimate
to intimate
 Relational development is generally
systematic and predictable
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Assumptions of SPT
 Relational development includes
depenetration and dissolution
 Relationships can experience transgressions
 Self-disclosure is at the core of
relationship development
 Strategic (planned) disclosures
 Nonstrategic (spontaneous) disclosures
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distribution without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
“Tearing Up” the Relationship
 Onion analogy represents various aspects
of an individual’s personality
 Outer layer represents the public image
 Central layers represent aspects of the self
revealed through self-disclosure
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Onion Analogy
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Self-Disclosure
 Reciprocity refers to the process whereby
one person’s openness leads to another’s
openness.
 Dimensions of self-disclosure:
 Breadth
 Depth
 As relationships move toward intimacy, the
breadth and depth of disclosure increases
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Self-Disclosure
 The greater the depth of disclosure, the
greater the feeling of vulnerability
 Self-disclosure in relationships is a result
of trust
 Too much inappropriate disclosure may
result in relationship dissolution
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A Social Exchange:
Relational Costs and Rewards
 Relationships can be viewed as the
exchange of rewards and costs
 A reward/cost ratio is calculated and
analyzed to determine if a relationship is
more positive or negative
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Stages of the
Social Penetration Process
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Stages of the
Social Penetration Process
Stage 1: Orientation
Reveal small parts of ourselves
Public level
Communication is superficial
Norms of appropriateness are followed
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Stages of the
Social Penetration Process
Stage 2: Exploratory Affective Exchange
Aspects of one’s personality emerge
Some private aspects become public
More spontaneous communication
More nonverbal communication
Common with casual acquaintances
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Stages of the
Social Penetration Process
Stage 3: Affective Exchange
Spontaneous and comfortable communication
Individuals make quick decisions about
communication
Personal idioms used
Positive and negative exchanges are possible
Common between close friends and intimate
partners
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