Social Penetration Theory And Its Impact On Relational Intimacy

“Social penetration occurs when our self-disclosure moves from shallow, superficial topics, such as our favorite breed or of dog or where we spent our last vacation to topics that are deeper and more intimate such as our worldview or fears”.

1. Engaging in self-disclosure doesn’t guarantee relational intimacy.
2. “Disclosing a disturbing secret to an intimate partner may even contribute to the demise of the relationship”.

The Social penetration theory does a poor job on capturing how Self-Disclosure and Relational intimacy correlate. Today I will tell educate you about the Social Penetration theory and argue against its points and conclusions. First let’s take a closer look at the Social Penetration theory.

The social penetration theory gives a possibility of differentiation between the different types and forms of the relationships by providing the notions of personality breadth and personality depth. This hypothesis is a general way to deal with relational fascination that takes a gander at the improvement of an interpersonal relationship from acquaintanceship to dear fellowship as a steady and precise process. The theory is generally worried about data trade however it additionally makes utilization of articulation of positive and negative impact in common exercises as different types of trade. Situational impact, identity and prizes are factors which help in advancing social entrance process which is hindering.

Relationships are seen to grow symmetrically. Relational trades create from shallow to non-imply territory to further degrees of selves of the communicating individuals. In this case, people subsequently assess the equalization of remunerations and expenses of the over a wide span of time trades. This assessment is utilized as a premise of estimating the expense and reward suggestion for future trades which might be made. Now that we covered what the Social penetration theory encompasses, I will go on by telling you a personal story about myself and how this theory relates to that.

Mother tried to set me up with her friend’s Son due to similar culture and the assumption that we would get along. I knew absolutely nothing about this other individual besides the fact we had the same religion and were a part of the same Islamic community. After arriving to my house there was awkward silence and discomfort on both sides. We both assumed the other followed the usual characteristics of Sudan adolescence males and tried to avoid each other even though we were in the same room. After a triggering event we realized we both actually were the opposite of what we thought we would be like. Began to engage in relational intimacy, engaging in small interpersonal conversational topics. Then became comfortable enough to engage in self-disclosure. Now that you heard about my personal anecdote, I will tell you about the counterargument about the social penetration theory.

The social penetration theory

“The Social penetration theory is overly simplistic and linear”. Altman and Taylor based their theory of social penetration theory on cost and reward. This indicates that people first evaluate a relationship on the basis of the rewards and costs involved and then decide whether to continue or not. “This is not true because one should not be in relationship just because of the benefits expected. ” The authors endeavor to propose that individuals will dependably frame a relationship in the event that they are ensured that there are a few advantages to be earned from it. The vast majority are magnanimous and will frame a relationship paying little mind to whether there are expenses to be brought about or advantages to be earned from it. “The Social penetration theory is overly simplistic and linear”. The theory ignores the tendency of relational partners to self-disclose. In addition, social penetration theory ignores the ways that people nonverbally self-disclosure about themselves. “Some researchers suggest that the importance of self-disclosure in scientific research does not reflect the reality of everyday relationships, current studies suggest that self-disclosure comprises only a small portion of communication which is unremarkable and mundane”.

Conclusion

Today, I told you about the social penetration theory and its take on self-disclosure and relational intimacy. I showed how simplistic and linear the social penetration is. Hopefully you learned more about how complex Relational intimacy can be and the effect Self-Disclosure has on it.