SOCIAL PENETRATION THEORY

1
SOCIAL PENETRATION THEORY

• Of Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor

2
MAIN IDEAS

• Closeness develops if people proceed in gradual
  and orderly fashion from superficial to more
  intimate levels of exchange
• Personality is like a multi-layered onion with
  public self on the outer layer and private self
  at the core

3
MAIN IDEAS (ctd)

• Closeness (penetration) is achieved through
  self-disclosure
• Self-disclosure risks vulnerability
• Layers of the onion are tougher towards the
  center
• Depth of penetration is degree of intimacy

4
SELF DISCLOSURE

• Peripheral items are disclosed earlier and more
  regularly
• Self-disclosure is reciprocal, esp. at first
• Penetration is rapid at first but slows down
  because of social norms and stalling
• De-penetration is also gradual
• Intimacy requires depth AND breadth of disclosure

5
REGULATING CLOSENESS

• Regulation by means of rewards and punishments
• People try to forecast outcomes of social
  exchange
• If perceived mutual benefits outweigh costs of
  vulnerability, self-disclosure will proceed
• People seek to maximize benefits and minimize
  costs. Note nature of benefits may change over
  time at first, physical appearance, similar
  backgrounds, extent of agreement rate high.
• The higher we value an outcome, the more
  attractive the behavior that will make it happen

6
COMPARISON LEVELS

• The comparison level (CL) is the threshold above
  which an outcome seems attractive is related to
  relational history
• Comparison level (CLalt comparison level of
  alternatives) is affected by other possible
  relationships available
• Comparisons are made between present realities
  and desired outcomes

7
CRITIQUE

• Theory not fully supported by data
• Highest reciprocity may occur at middle levels
  may be cycles of disclosure and reserve
• Needs take account of gender (males less open)
• Disclosure can increase as relationship
  deteriorates
• Single comparison (CL) index too simplistic
• In close relationships, self-centeredness lessens
• Onion metaphor sexual disclosure is active,
  usually symmetrical self is not simply revealed
  but is constructed

8
CRITIQUE (ctd)

• Penetration metaphor unhelpful (power and
  sexual overtones)
• Suggests that the self is undivided, all-knowable
  rather than formed through interaction
  disclosure changes self
• Onion metaphor suggests sameness not diversity