Social Penetration Theory
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Social penetration theory was formulated by Irwin Altman and Dalmas A. Taylor. Social penetration was their attempt to describe the dynamics of relational closeness. They proposed that closeness can only occur through gradual self-disclosure. Self-disclosure is the act of revealing more about ourselves, on both a conscious and an unconscious level.
[edit] Onion model
Social penetration is perhaps best known for its onion analogy. Self-disclosure is referred to in terms of breadth and depth, the latter of which is described in units of layers.
[edit] Key points of self-disclosure
- Peripheral items are exchanged more frequently and sooner than private information.
- Self-disclosure is reciprocal, especially in the early stages of relationship development.
- Penetration is rapid at the start but slows down quickly as the tightly wrapped inner layers are reached.
- Depenetration is a gradual process of layer-by-layer withdrawal.
[edit] Trivia
- The onion analogy was briefly mentioned in Shrek.
