Self-Disclosure in Relationships - 3607 Words

Self-Disclosure 1 Self-Disclosure in Relationships We as individuals’ decide what, when and to whom, and how much to disclose personal thoughts and feelings. Although level of self-disclosure and personal relationships are not synonymous concepts, self-disclosure plays an important role in constructing what kind of relationships individuals have with each another.1 Self-disclosure, depending on reactions of relationship partners, also plays an important role in validating self-worth and personal identity.2 The best place to begin is with a definition. Self-disclosure is the process of deliberately revealing information about oneself that is significant and would not naturally be known by others. Self-disclosure must be deliberate. One†¦show more content†¦There are four levels of communication that suggest why relationships can be frustrating. Sometimes the communicators might never get to the levels of personal opinions and feelings. At other times communicators can spend too much time at these personal levels. These levels are as follows: Clichà ©s: Clichà ©s are ritualized, stock responses to social situations-virtually the opposite of disclosure. Although they sound superficial, clichà ©s can also serve as codes for messages we don’t usually express directly, such as â€Å"I want to acknowledge your presence† accompanied by Self –Disclosure 4 a different set of nonverbal cues, a clichà © can say â€Å"I don’t want to be impolite, but you’d better stay away from me now.† Whatever valuable functions they may serve, it’s clear that clichà ©s don’t qualify as self-disclosure. Facts: Not all facts qualify as self-disclosure. They must fit the criteria of being intentional, significant, and not otherwise known. Facts can be meaningful in themselves, but they also have a greater significance in a relationship. Disclosing important information suggests a level of trust and commitment to the other person that signals a desire to move the relationship to a new level. Opinions: Still more revealing is the level of opinions. Opinions usually reveal more about a person than facts alone. If you know where the speaker stands on a subject, you can get a clearer picture of how your relationship might develop. Likewise, every time you offer aShow MoreRelatedDual Relationships and Self-Disclosure Essay1122 Words   |  5 PagesDual Relationships and Self-Disclosure Chemical Dependency counselors have quite a few ethical dilemmas to deal with. Therapists that are in recovery may confront some even more complex dilemmas, opposed to those who are not. There is a high percentage of addiction counselors that are in recovery. 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