Social Penetration Theory

Self-disclosure is the primary way that superficial relationships progress to intimate relationships. Although self-disclosure can lead to more intimate relationships, it can also leave one or more persons vulnerable.

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Cards In This Set

Front Back
Social Penetration
Process of bonding that moves a relationship from superficial to more intimate
Trajectory
Pathway to closeness
Importance of self-disclosure
The primary way that superficial relationships progress to intimate relationships
Depenetrate
Slow deterioration of relationship
Transgression
A violation of relational rules, practices, and expectations
Self disclosure
Purposeful process of revealing information about oneself
Stranger-on-the-train
Revealing personal information to strangers in public places
Public image
Outer layer of a person; what is available to others
Reciprocity
The return of openness from one person to another
Breadth
The number of topics discussed in a relationship
Breadth time
Amount of time spent by relational partners discussing various topics
Depth
Degree of intimacy guiding topic discussion
Reward/cost ratio
Balance between positive and negative relationship experiences
1st stage of social penetration
Orientation - revealing bits of ourselves to others
2nd stage of social penetration
Exploratory affective exchange - emergence of an individual's personality