Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
CHAPTER 3
Communication and Self-Concept, Continued…
Interplay
Section 6
DISCLOSING THE SELF:
CHOOSING WHAT TO REVEAL
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Choosing What to Reveal

Self-disclosure


Every verbal or nonverbal
behavior we engage in is
self-revealing
Distinguishing factors of
self-disclosure:




Honesty
Depth
Availability of information
Context of sharing
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Models of Self-Disclosure

Degrees of Self-Disclosure: The Social Penetration Model
(Altman and Taylor)

Two dimensions:

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
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Breadth of information volunteered
Depth of information volunteered
Altman and Taylor: “the development of a relationship as a
progression from the periphery… to its center. Process
occurs over time.”
Types of information revealed:




Clichés—ritualized, stock responses to social situations
Facts
Opinions
Feelings
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Awareness of Self-Disclosure:
The Johari Window Model

Johari Window (Luft and Ingham)

Frame contains likes, dislikes, goals,
secrets, needs.

Part 1: Open area; information of
which both you and the other person
are aware.
Part 2: Blind area; information of
which you are unaware, but the
other person knows.
Part 3: Hidden area; information
that you know, but aren’t willing to
reveal to others.
Part 4: Unknown area: information
unknown to you and others.



Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Interplay
Section 7
BENEFITS AND RISKS
OF SELF-DISCLOSURE
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Benefits of Self-Disclosure






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

Catharsis
Self-clarification
Self-validation
Reciprocity
Impression formation
Relationship maintenance
and enhancement
Moral obligation
Social influence
Self-defense
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Risks of Self-Disclosure
Rejection
 Negative impression
 Decrease in relational
satisfaction
 Loss of influence
 Loss of control
 Hurt the other person

Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Alternatives to Self-Disclosure

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Silence
Lying

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Equivocation

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Benevolent lies, unmalicious
Told for the benefit of the
recipient
Equivocal language: Two
or more plausible meanings
Used for face-saving
Can save a speaker from
being caught lying
Hinting

Face-saving
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
The Ethics of Evasion


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Provides a way to manage
difficult situations
There are times when honesty
is the right approach, even
when painful
Consider:

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Are the effects of a lie worth
the deception?
Is the indirect message in the
interest of the receiver?
Is evasion the only way to
behave?
How would others respond if
they knew what you were
really thinking/feeling?
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Guidelines for Self Disclosure
Is the other person important to you?
 Is the risk of disclosing reasonable?
 Is the self-disclosure appropriate?
Is the disclosure relevant to the situation at
hand?
 Is the disclosure reciprocated?
 Will the effect be constructive?


Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
Interplay
END OF SECTION
Interplay, Eleventh Edition, Adler/Rosenfeld/Proctor
Copyright © 2010 by Oxford University Press, Inc.