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Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University

Introducing Communication Theory Analysis and Application. Third Edition. Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University. Social Penetration Theory (SPT). Chapter 10. based on the research of Irwin Altman & Dalmas Taylor. Chapter Summary Theory at a Glance

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Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University

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  1. Introducing Communication TheoryAnalysis and Application Third Edition Richard West University of Southern Maine Lynn H. Turner Marquette University

  2. Social Penetration Theory (SPT) Chapter 10 based on the research of Irwin Altman & Dalmas Taylor Chapter Summary • Theory at a Glance • Introduction • Assumptions of SPT • “Tearing Up” the Relationships • A Social Exchange: Relational Costs and Rewards • Stages of the Social Penetration Process • Critique and Closing

  3. Theory at a Glance • Developed to understand the relational closeness between two people • Interpersonal relationships evolve gradually and predictably Continued…

  4. Theory at a Glance • Superficial relationships progress to intimate relationships through self-disclosure • Self-disclosure leads to more intimate relationships and vulnerability

  5. Introduction Social penetration is the process of bonding that moves a relationship from superficial to more intimate. • Includes verbal, nonverbal, and environmentally oriented behaviors

  6. Introduction Dimensions of intimacy: • Physical • Intellectual • Emotional • Shared activities

  7. Introduction Discussions about social penetration began in the 1960s and 1970s when open and candid communication was highly valued

  8. Assumptions of SPT • Relationships progress from nonintimate to intimate • Relational development is generally systematic and predictable Continued…

  9. Assumptions of SPT • Relational development includes depenetration and dissolution • Relationships can experience transgressions • Self-disclosure is at the core of relationship development • Strategic (planned) disclosures • Nonstrategic (spontaneous) disclosures

  10. “Tearing Up” the Relationships • Onion analogy represents various aspects of an individual's personality • Outer layer represents the public image • Central layers represent aspects of the self revealed through self-disclosure

  11. Onion Analogy Figure 10.1: The Social Penetration Process

  12. “Tearing Up” the Relationships Reciprocity refers to the process whereby one person’s openness leads to another’s openness.

  13. Breadth & Depth of Self-Disclosure • Dimensions of self-disclosure: • Breadth • Depth • As relationships move toward intimacy, the breadth and depth of disclosure increases

  14. Self-Disclosure • The greater the depth of disclosure, the greater the feeling of vulnerability • Self-disclosure in relationships is a result of trust • Too much inappropriate disclosure may result in relationship dissolution

  15. A Social Exchange: Relational Costs and Rewards • Relationships can be viewed as the exchange of rewards and costs • A reward/cost ratio is calculated and analyzed to determine if a relationship is more positive or negative

  16. Stages of the Social Penetration Process Figure 10.2: Stages of Social Penetration

  17. Stages of the Social Penetration Process • Stage 1: Orientation • Reveal small parts of ourselves • Public level • Communication is superficial • Norms of appropriateness are followed

  18. Stages of the Social Penetration Process • Stage 2: Exploratory Affective Exchange • Aspects of one’s personality emerge • Some private aspects become public • More spontaneous communication • More nonverbal communication • Common with casual acquaintances

  19. Stages of the Social Penetration Process • Stage 3: Affective Exchange • Spontaneous and comfortable communication • Individuals make quick decisions about communication • Personal idioms used • Positive and negative exchanges are possible • Common between close friends and intimate partners

  20. Stages of the Social Penetration Process • Stage 4: Stable Exchange • Complete openness and spontaneity • Partners are highly intimate and synchronized • Fewer misinterpretations • Distinctive relationship qualities emerge • Common in few relationships

  21. Critical Strengths of SPT • Useful and versatile • Application to a variety of contexts • Heuristic • Spawned hundreds of studies • Parsimonious • Simple and straightforward

  22. Criticisms of SPT • Scope • Self-disclosure is too narrowly interpreted (Derlega et al, 1993) • View of relationship development is too linear (Knapp & Vangelisti, 2005) • A relationship is more than self-disclosure (Baxter & Sahlstein, 2000) • View of relationship disengagement is too linear (Baxter, 1984)

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