Social penetration theory

The theory of social penetration suggests that as relations develop, the degree of interaction deepens over time. The theory was first formulated by psychologists Irwin Altman ^[2] and Delmas Taylor ^[3] in 1973, in order to study the development of relations between people. Altman and Taylor point out that relationships include different levels of closeness of exchange or degree of social penetration. Social penetration theory is known as an objective theory, meaning that the theory is based on data obtained directly from experiments, and not from conclusions based on people's life experiences.

The phenomenon of social penetration ^[1] characterizes the extensiveness (breadth) and intensity (depth) of the development of interpersonal relations. As the authors themselves emphasize, they introduced the term “social penetration” to explain the externally observable manifestations of interpersonal interactions and the internal subjective processes that accompany them. One of the typical varieties of social penetration is the personal mutual disclosure of communication partners. According to the theory, the development of relations is subject to a specific algorithm and can be predictable, from surface layers to deeper ones. Also, the main way to transfer relationships to a new level is self-disclosure.

The social theory of penetration is based on four basic assumptions.

Assumptions:

1. Relationships progress from close to close. Relationship development begins with superficial communication, gradually moving to deeper levels. For example, on a first date, people tend to present more superficial information about themselves, talking about a hobby. While the relationship is progressing, a wider range of topics is included in the negotiations, up to and including political discussions.
2. Development is generally systematic and predictable. Interpersonal relationships develop, as a rule, systematically and predictably. Despite the fact that it is impossible to foresee the exact and exact path of development, there is still a certain trajectory.
3. Relative development involves the process of separation and decay. The process of developing relationships can lead to de-penetration and dissolution. For example, after quarrels and confrontation, a couple who decided to marry eventually breaks off the relationship.
4. Self-disclosure at the core of relationship development. Self-disclosure is the key to simplify relationship development. Self-disclosure means disclosing and sharing personal information with others. It allows people to get to know each other and plays an important role in determining how far a relationship can go.

Social penetration is perhaps best known for its onion analogy, which is why it is sometimes called the "onion theory" ^{[4] of} individuality. Individuality is a multi-layered onion, in which the public mask is the outer layer, and deep thoughts are the onion core. In the course of developing relationships, as intimacy increases, the layers of individuality begin to unfold, gradually revealing the core of a person. Three main factors influence self-exposure and begin the process of onion theory.

The theory of self-disclosure - the disclosure of their personal information to another person. ^[5] Disclosure may include information about fears as well as ideas of personal experience and attitudes, feelings and values, past life experiences and biographical facts, and even future hopes, dreams, aspirations and goals. With such an exchange of information, as a rule, a careful selection of those with whom this information is to be shared.

Stages of self-discovery:

Tracing the dynamics of social penetration, I. Altman and D. Taylor distinguish a number of conditional stages, through which in their development, as they intensify and expand acts of exchange, interpersonal relations, namely, stages:

• orientation - relationships are limited, superficial (mostly behavioral) contacts;
• trial emotional exchange - contacts are frequent, but superficial (this applies, in particular, to the exchange of personal information between members of the dyad );
• full emotional exchange - contacts are deep, affecting personal structures (and there is an exchange of information that is sufficiently important for individuals), but covers limited areas of interaction;
• established exchange - contacts cover a variety of “personal areas” of communicating and are deployed at both intimate (deep personal) and superficial levels.
• one more stage, additional, stage of decay.

The depth of penetration - the degree of proximity. This does not necessarily apply to sexual activity, there is a more shifted emphasis on how people can become close to each other, regardless of the fact that they are subconsciously afraid to open up. Mutual trust will inspire a person with more faith in relationships and he will want to share with you deeper things, thoughts, not only those things that lie on the surface of ordinary everyday conversation.

How is the movement going deeper, into deeper levels of intimacy? When a conversation with one person for a long time provides a wider range of topics, with the goal of allowing a person to more and more disclose his thoughts and feelings, to represent his point of view. Equality and frankness are the main condition for close friendship, strong relationships, family.

De-penetration is a gradual process of abandoning communication, level after level, and this causes relationships and the degree of closeness to regress and disappear. According to Oltman and Taylor, when de-penetration occurs, “interpersonal exchange will occur in the opposite direction, from more important to less significant areas, the degree of coverage decreases” ^[6] . Using the example of a close friendship, you can see that relationships will deteriorate if the areas of life that were previously open begin to close. And, gradually, they will disappear.

There are situations where it is possible to encounter a depth without latitude, for example, a depth without latitude may arise in a situation where an interlocutor provides deeper access only to one area of his life. On the other hand, breadth without depth would be simple everyday conversations. For example, the banal “Hello, how are you?”, Which is usually given only out of politeness. In fact, no one is going to stop and listen to what the person asked is actually saying. To reach the level of breadth and depth, both parties must work on their social skills as well as on their relationships. They must be ready to open up and express themselves in the process of communicating with each other. And this process is quite lengthy and energy consuming.

Interpersonal communication

The value of social theory can be traced in the field of interpersonal relations. Scientists used the concepts of the theory and the onion model to study romantic relationships, friendship, father-child relationships, employer-employee relations, etc. Some of the key results are described as follows.

Gender difference in self-disclosure

The study reveals many significant gender differences , especially when it comes to the emotional sphere, for example: “Sometimes I feel lonely because I have to study abroad and be away from my family” ^[7] . Emotional self-disclosure makes people "transparent" and vulnerable to others. According to research, women are more socially oriented, while men are more task oriented, and thus women are considered to be more socially interdependent than men. And this is an important reason that contributes to gender differences in self-disclosure. In friendships between women, emotional applications, such as the separation of emotions, thoughts, events and supports in the core, while friendship between men tends to focus on actions and group tasks. In general, female friendship is described as closer than male friendship. ^[7]

Patient self-discovery in psychotherapy

This type of disclosure is useful and often applicable in therapy, especially in psychotherapy. Such self-disclosure can positively influence the course of treatment. Freud became a pioneer in this area of ​​medical practice. A number of factors affect the patient disclosure and to create an atmosphere of trust: the atmosphere of the office, the voice of the doctor, the internal state of the patient. But still, full self-disclosure is rather an ideal, an unattainable myth. It was shown that the key factors that influence the patient's self-disclosure are the length of therapy and the power of trust in the doctor-patient communication process. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that this process is long in time, as it is required to establish trust. A similar process is also used when dealing with people who have a type of phobia.

Self-disclosure in television reality

Reality shows have gained great popularity in past decades, and at the moment their popularity is still growing. The fact is that the format of such shows implies that the hero is confronted with real situations that imply a person’s self-disclosure on the screen. What creates a relationship of trust with the television audience. In fact, self-disclosure here appears in the form of a monologue , during which the viewer thinks that this is only for him, an illusion is created. ^[eight]

Communication in the Internet space

Internet communication is conceived as a way to empower people to start and develop relationships, while also providing an opportunity to circumvent traditional constraints. (Yum & Hara, 2005). Nevertheless, there are opinions that unhindered communication via the Internet is impossible, as there are doubts about whether or not a person on the other side of the computer is who he is positioning himself or he is a skillful manipulator. Lack of communication face to face can cause increased skepticism and doubt. Since this is possible, there is no chance to establish a long and deep connection.

The scope of theory is limited

Theory not fully supported by data

Highest reciprocity can occur at medium levels; there may be cycles of closure and secrecy

You need to take gender into account (men are more secretive)

In close relationships, selfishness is reduced.

Onion metaphor: sexual sphere; mutual disclosure is active, usually symmetrical

The original theory did not take into account gender differences in vulnerability, but a later study concludes that men are less open than women.