Why Does Someone Reveal Highly Personal Information? Attributions for and against Self-Disclosure in Close Relationships

Abstract

Via open-ended responses, we examined causal attributions generated for disclosing or not disclosing personal information to one's mother, father, same-sex friend, and dating partner. Participants (238 male and female college students) frequently mentioned having a close relationship/trusting the other and seeking social support to explain disclosure, as well as protecting the other and fear of losing the other's respect as reasons not to disclose. Certain attributions (e.g., duty to inform, privacy concerns, protecting the other, superficial relationship) were mentioned selectively to explain disclosure or nondisclosure to particular types of relationship partners. The findings illustrate goals that are consistent with social exchange/interdependence and privacy theories of disclosure decision-making.