1. Self-Disclosure

2. What is Self-Disclosure Transferring information from the hidden self to the open self Can be consciously or unconsciously done Includes disclosing information about others which will impact oneself Irreversible 3. 1. Who We Are our personalityex.introverted/extroverted, confidence - the more social a person is, the more likely they will self-disclose 4. 2. Culture different cultures have different views on self-disclosure, and the topics you disclose aboutEx. masculine versus feminine cultures (the showing of emotions) 5. 3. Gender the male and female psyche are inherently different ex. women tend to disclose more than men4. The Listener the no. of listeners (generally, the more listeners, the less willing to self-disclose)- the relationship with the listener/listeners- liking those with whom youself-disclose - the dyadic effect 6. 5. Topic certain topics are more taboo than others6. Channel of Communication actually affects our willingness to self-discloseEx. Online versus face-to-face 7. a. Revealing too much-knowledge is power-people can use informationfor other purposesb. Rejection/Loss of Self-Confidence- people might not support or like whatyou disclose about yourselfRisks 8. c. Material Loss- sensitive information, if revealed, cancause a person to lose hisjob, status, ranking, etc.Risks 9. 1. Self-Knowledge/Understanding- gain insight and a new perspective on oneself2. Coping with Problems- lighten the burden of a problem- support/advice coming from others helpsRewards 10. 3. Improving Communication with Others- the more we understand the otherperson, the better we can communicate withthem4. Establish Meaningful Relationships- self-disclosing shows trust to thatperson, while listening to the other showsrespect and careRewards 11. Guidelines for Self-Disclosing1. Making Self-Disclosures2. Responding to Disclosures3. Resisting Pressure to Self- Disclose 12. Making Disclosures RAB-OPReason examine own motivationsAppropriateness is the context, relationship, time and place appropriate?Burdens consider the burdens the disclosure might cause you or the listenerOther Person - give others a chance to reciprocate with their own disclosures 13. Responding to DisclosuresHELBRHush keep disclosures confidentialEncourage express support for thepersonListen listen actively, with empathy andwith an open mind(dont) Blackmail dont use disclosureagainst the otherRespond reciprocate by also disclosing 14. Resisting Pressure to Self-DiscloseRIAResist dont get pushed into saying something you dont want toIndirect change the topic and avoid questions that prompt you to self- discloseAssert Position directly but respectfully refuse