Self-Disclosure

Self-Disclosure Jennie Anne Bollinger COMS 303 April 2nd, 2012 Professor Betty La France

Self-Disclosure Self-Disclosure The goal of this paper is to define, discuss, and provide evidence of self-disclosure.

Sidney M. Jourard began studying the subject in 1956 when he realized [he] played an important part in determining how well any other person knew [him] (1971, p. 1). Jourard wrote SelfDisclosure: An Experimental Analysis of the Transparent Self shortly after the release of The Transparent Self (1964). The book includes various studies and discussions on self-disclosure. The concept of self-disclosure from Social Penetration theory was defined as, the act of revealing personal information to others, by Jourard (1971, p. 2). Jourard originally coined the term, real-self communication, but later someone at [his] meeting challenged the term saying, Isnt all communication about oneself real? Jourard seemingly agreed with his challenger and thought that self-disclosure was a more neutral description [that] would counter the objection. (1971, p. 2). Last month at a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) meeting a recent member to the group, Andrew, self-disclosed some fairly personal information. Well, I've been coming to the LGBT groups for a few weeks. I really appreciate what this group has done for me. Andrew began timidly. The group was nodding smiling as Andrew continued. When I first came here, he said as he stood up from the table, I was a straight student looking to meet a few new people. I most certainly did not expect to make such close friends so quickly. I am here more than to make friends, I am here for the support I didn't think I would be able to find anywhere else. I've known that I was gay since middle school and the stereotypes of that, well, they weren't me. Andrew announced. At the end of the meeting everyone reminded Andrew that his 'secret' would be safe with the group until he felt that he could share it with everyone.

Self-Disclosure In this example, Andrew is self-disclosing to a group. He is, as Jourard defines it, revealing personal information to others (1971, p. 2). Andrew, like others, starts by building rapport with other members in the group over time. This happens often in groups such as: Alcoholics Anonymous, peer counseling groups, fellowships, and etc. Sexuality is a very private

matter to self-disclose with anyoneespecially a group. He made the conscious decision to share his private and deeply personal information with the outside world. In closing, when people self-disclose they make quick decisions about what information they should share. Because self-disclosure is used in everyday conversation Jourard reminds us that only the individual controls what is self-disclosed. Jourard's definition of self-disclosure is the most widely used definition in communication studies today. Jourard's book, that I have referenced, consists of a multitude of elaborate studies proving his definition infallible and unmatched.

Self-Disclosure References Jourard, Sidney M. (1971). Self-Disclosure: An Experimental Analysis of the Transparent Self. Canada: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.