Self-Disclosure with Friends Across the Life Cycles

Abstract

This study is concerned with self-disclosure to close friends among various age groups, using a multi-dimensional approach. The study indicated that amount, depth and valence of self-disclosure differentiated four age groups (19-25; 26-40; 41-60; 61-91). However, when length of friendship was taken into-consideration, only valence of self-disclosure differentiated the groups. The findings were discussed in terms of different stages of relationship development and similarity of self-disclosure, even though value systems may be very different. This study also highlights the need for longitudinal studies that explore age differences.