Choices & Connections

Choices & Connections (with /LaunchPad – Six-Month Access)

by Steven McCornack, and Joseph Ortiz
Copyright 2020, MacMillan Publishing

ISBN – 978-1319314385

ANSWER

Layers of Self-disclosure

Layers of Self-disclosure

Social penetration occurs through self-disclosure, which is an effective process of revealing individual information. Self-disclosure plays an essential role in increasing intimacy in friendships, relationships and work relationships. Self-disclosure layers include inner layers, superficial layers, core personality and middle layers (Carpenter and Greene, 2015). The superficial layer entails sharing of shallow details such as the dislikes, likes as well as interests in things such as music and clothing (Carpenter and Greene, 2015). The middle layers include social attitudes and political views. The inner layers entail the deep fears, spiritual values, secrets, fantasies, goals and hopes. The core personality entails the most private information regarding an individual.

Considerably, a relationship is established through the exchange of information (Steven and Joseph, 2020). The number of topics, the depth and breadth of the discussion guides these interactions. During a first date, people tend to share the most-shallow information withholding risky information in the early stage of their relationship or interaction. Therefore, I believe the superficial layer is the most effective during the first date. The superficial layer is also considered as the orientation stage. This is where people only share superficial details (outermost layer) about themselves. Individuals are vigilant when revealing personal details. For instance, during a first date, individuals lean towards the open self, which is the appearance displayed to most individuals rather than sharing secrets and greatest fears. People withhold negative details and reveal bits of themselves to act socially desirable. Therefore, during the first date, individuals tend to present their outer images, only talking about their interests and hobbies. As relationship development continues, more controversial and broader topics such as great fears, political views are included in the conversations. During the first date, the outermost layer of the interpersonal relationship is essential in avoiding conflicts since it polarizes topics and reduces the breadth of topics being discussed.

References

Carpenter, A., & Greene, K. (2015). Social penetration theory. The international encyclopedia of interpersonal communication, 1-4.

Steven M., & Joseph O. (2020). Choices & Connections (with /LaunchPad – Six-Month Access). ISBN-13: 978-1319027155.