Assignment One Scholarship

CMS 1000 Communication and

T hesis
Self Disclosure as a form of communication should be taken under careful consideration when interacting with others in a particular context.

Intr oduction
Communication involves the interactions and exchanging of information between individuals, in a variety of methods. One of these being, interpersonal communication, which takes place in a specific context, face-to-face, which Selfdisclosure is an important aspect, in order to form relationships, (Tyler, Kossen and Ryan, 2002). This activity of Self Disclosure involves imparting information about ones self to another, (Tyler, Kossen and Ryan, 2002). Self-disclosure should be taken seriously when interacting with others; these relationships are fragile, simply one comment could result in termination. The context of communication, the individuals, and the circumstances of the relationships, are important factors to be considered before self-disclosure occurs. The consideration of these factors can lead to positive or negative outcomes as discussed by DeVito (1996). There are examples shown below of how self-disclosure can affect these fragile relationships. The factors that influence Self-disclosure are as Joseph DeVito (1996), has stated in Messages. That self-disclosure occurs more often in what he calls, Dyads, which is a group of two people. There are several different factors mentioned by DeVito, one is that individuals tend to disclose to people that theyre fond of, because a bond has been established between the two, where a circle of trust usually exists. Also competent individuals, tend to engage in self-disclosure more often than those who are less competent, because of greater self-confidence. But this can lead to possible negative reactions (McCroskey & Wheeless, 1976; cited in DeVito, 1996). This relates to those who are highly sociable and have extroverted personalities. Cultural differences DeVito explains can be a great influence, e.g. Americans tend to disclose in response to another, whereas Koreans do not, and can offend some. The gender difference he states is a more popular influence. Men will not disclose information about himself and his emotions, and women otherwise. But the contradiction is those with androgynous personalities, where they are more inclined to react the opposite way. These factors should be considered carefully in regards to Self-disclosure, other wise individuals run the risk of offending the other party, or themselves.

Katrina Smith Q1221575

Ass One Essay Plan

Page No. 2

Assignment One Scholarship

CMS 1000 Communication and

Self-disclosur e as a for m of communication

What is communication? Self Disclosure is a form of interpersonal communication Self-disclosure involves

Factors that influence Self disclosure are the individuals, circumstances of relationships with individuals and contexts of communication. The advantages of self disclosure are; the increase self-knowledge, communication and relationship effectiveness, and psychological well-being, [DeVito, p.p.40-1 (1996)]. The disadvantage is the risk of damages on personal, relational, and professional, levels. Self Disclosure Studies: University of Arizona: Sensitive Mother-to-Adolescent Disclosures After Divorce: Is the Experience of Sons Different From That of Daughters? Ormarzu, J.: A Disclosure Decision Model: Determining How and When Indidivduals Will Self-Disclose. Epstein, L.: Self Dislosure and Analytical Space: Some issues raised by Jay Greenbergs paper on self-dislosure. And their relation to the issue of Self Disclosure

Katrina Smith Q1221575

Ass One Essay Plan

Page No. 2

Assignment One Scholarship

CMS 1000 Communication and

Reference List
DeVito, J. A., (1996), Messages: Building Interpersonal Communication Skills, (3rd ed, ch. 2), NewYork: HarperCollins College Publishers. Epstein, L., (April, 1995), Self-disclosure and analytical space: Some issues raised by Jay Greenbergs paper on self-disclosure, [Electronic Version], Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Vol. 31, (2), 229-236, Retrieved from EbscoHost Megafile Premier Online database, August 17th 2004, from http://ezproxy.usq.edu/login? url=http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an1995-38052-001&db=psyh. Koerner, S. S., Wallace, S., Lehman, S. J., Lee, S., & Escalante, K. A.; University of Arizona, (March, 2004), Sensitive mother-to-adolescent disclosures after divorce: Is the experience of sons different from that of daughters? [Electronic Version], Journal of family psychology, Vol. 18, (1), 46-57, Retrieved from EbscoHost Megafile Premier Online database, August 17th 2004, from http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login? url=http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=fam18146&dbpdh Ormarzu, J., (2000), A disclosure decision model: determining how and when individuals will self-disclose, [Electronic Version], Personality and Social Psychology Review, Vol.4, (Issue 2), 174-185, Retrieved from EbscoHost Megafile Premier Online database, August 17th 2004, from http://ezproxy.usq.edu.au/login? url=http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=3319687&db=aph Tyler, S., Kossen, C., & Ryan, C., (2002), Communication: A Foundation Course, (Rev. ed., ch. 2 & 13), N.S.W.: Prentice Hall.

Katrina Smith Q1221575

Ass One Essay Plan

Page No. 2