Social Penetration Theory PDF

SOCIAL PENETRATION THEORY Ch apter 10  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...

SOCIAL PENETRATION THEORY Ch apter 10  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  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  INTRODUCTION  Social penetration is the process of bonding that moves a relationship from superficial to more intimate. ▪ Includes verbal, nonverbal, and environmentally oriented behaviors  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  ASSUMPTIONS OF SPT 1. Relationships progress from nonintimate to intimate  ASSUMPTIONS OF SPT 2. Relational development is generally systematic and predictable  ASSUMPTIONS OF SPT 3. Relational development includes depenetration and dissolution  ASSUMPTIONS OF SPT 4. Self-disclosure is at the core of relational development  “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  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  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 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  STAGES OF THE SOCIAL PENETRATION PROCESS Stable Exploratory Affective Exchange Orientation Affective Exchange Efficient Revealing bits Exchange Spontaneous communication; of ourselves to Emergence of communication; establishment of others an individual's use of personal a personal personality idioms system of communication  STAGES OF THE SOCIAL PENETRATION PROCESS Orientation  Stage 1 Exploratory Affective ▪ Reveal small parts of ourselves Exchange ▪ Public level Affective Exchange ▪ Communication is superficial ▪ Norms of appropriateness are followed Stable Exchange  STAGES OF THE SOCIAL PENETRATION PROCESS Orientation  Stage 2 Exploratory ▪ Aspects of one’s personality emerge Affective Exchange ▪ Some private aspects become public Affective Exchange ▪ More spontaneous communication ▪ More nonverbal communication Stable Exchange ▪ Common with casual acquaintances  STAGES OF THE SOCIAL PENETRATION PROCESS Orientation  Stage 3 Exploratory Affective ▪ Spontaneous and comfortable communication Exchange ▪ Individuals make quick decisions about communication Affective Exchange ▪ Personal idioms used Stable Exchange ▪ Positive and negative exchanges are possible ▪ Common between close friends and intimate partners  STAGES OF THE SOCIAL PENETRATION PROCESS Orientation  Stage 4 Exploratory Affective ▪ Complete openness and spontaneity Exchange ▪ Partners are highly intimate and synchronized Affective Exchange ▪ Fewer misinterpretations ▪ Distinctive relationship qualities emerge Stable Exchange ▪ Few relationships reach this stage Thank You!