Social Penetration Theory
Irwin Altman
Dalmas Taylor
Social Penetration Theory
(Altman & Taylor)
• How develop IP closeness (i.e.
• Theory in a
)?
– IP Closeness
– proceed gradually & orderly
– Superficial  intimate exchng levels
– motivat by current & predict. outcomes (Griffin, 1987)
• Another
– Process of intimacy dvlpment
– w/ another person
– Via
and other
Definition of Self-Disclosure (S-D)
• Information about
,
• hearer wouldn’t
• communicated
,
&
.
Depth & Breadth
• Depth
–
– Personal signif.
• Breadth
– RANGE of S-D across multiple areas
–
• Can have…
– one w/o other
• Lots of Breadth, no depth!!
–
• Lots of Depth, no breadth!!
–
– Neither
–
– Both breadth & depth
–
• Deeper
• Breadthier (wider) =
•
• Fast at beg
• Slower as progress…
• Why not reveal all right away?
•
•
• Gradual! Layer by Layer!
• Plunging is “weird”
• Rs usually “cool off” – rarely “end abruptly”
•
Intimacy Regulated on basis of Outcomes
• Predicted outcomes
– Perceived rewards & costs
• For socpen to proceed…Mutual
must
greater vulnerability (Process of social exchange)
of
Discuss…
• Economic basis of theory:
Critiques
• Thry is estab/familiar explan. of IPV dvlpmnt
– Is S-D = intimacy too simplistic?
(Petronio)
•
•
– Too “clear-cut” ?
• (costs/rewards tallied to get deeper S-D?)
– Predictability? Do we consistently act egotistically?