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Social Penetration Theory
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Social Penetration Theory
Paige Jackson
James Madison University
SCOM 240L: Introduction to Communication Theory
Ms. Annick Dupal
October 6, 2023
Social Penetration Theory
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Social Penetration Theory seeks to understand the depth of interpersonal relationships. It
describes the gradual shift from surface-level interactions to deeper, more intimate connections
including physical, intellectual, and emotional dimensions. SPT has four key assumptions. It
suggests that relationships progress from non-intimate to intimate stages, following systematic
and predictable patterns. Depenetration, a gradual relationship deterioration, can lead to
transgressions due to conflict. Lastly, self-disclosure is the core of relationship development,
occurring intentionally in various contexts, such as chance encounters between strangers. This
paper explores the SPT and its practical applications in understanding real-world relationships. It
references the article “An Examination of Relational Maintenance and Dissolution Through
Social Networking Sites” by Natalie Pennington.
The research article, “An Examination of Relational Maintenance and Dissolution
Through Social Networking Sites” by (Pennington, 2020), explores the dynamics of relational
maintenance and dissolution within the context of social networking sites through the lens of
Social Penetration Theory. The central research question addressed in the study is how SPT can
be applied to understand the complexities of maintaining and dissolving relationships in the
digital age (Pennington, 2020, p.3). The study also sought to understand the influence of online
behaviors, such as unfriending or hiding connections, in response to varying degrees of
self-disclosure and other factors on social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram.
The study incorporates qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. It first used
online surveys to gather quantitative data regarding college students’ behaviors and experiences
on SNSs (Pennington, 2020, p.4). Additionally, the study collected qualitative data through
open-ended survey questions to gain deeper insights into participants’ motivations and
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experiences. Participants were asked to recall specific relationships within their online networks
and respond to questions about maintaining or dissolving ties based on hypothetical situations
involving over-sharing on these SNSs (Pennington, 2020, p.5). The research focused on the
factors influencing users’ decisions to hide, unfriend, or unfollow their online connections,
examining variables like network size, relationship strength, and frequency of engagement. The
study’s sample consisted of 280 participants, focusing on diverse social networks.
The study’s conclusions highlight several key findings. First, the research indicates that
self-disclosure, despite potential negative implications such as oversharing, does not significantly
influence individuals’ decisions to sever relationships on SNSs. It also found that as an
individual’s network grows, they are more likely to unfriend rather than unfollow others, which
is consistent with past research. Additionally, the study suggests that users of different SNSs
exhibit varying behaviors in response to different scenarios, challenging the theory’s traditional
assumptions.
In my experience, in relation to the theory, I would like to take you through my healing
journey from a three year relationship, specifically focusing on self-disclosure within the context
of therapeutic relationships. I initially struggled with accepting the fact that this relationship was
bad and it needed to be over, and my journey encompassed several stages, the first of which
involved building a strong therapeutic relationship with the people I trusted the most. Talking to
the people I trusted involved them revealing their reactions to my experience. Being able to
openly discuss their emotional reactions made me feel more connected to the “therapeutic”
process. Through this approach, I gained insights and developed a deeper awareness of the
common life experiences. They created a safe space where I felt empowered and understood
without being judged. Expressing my emotions appropriately exemplifies the SPT, as discussed
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in the article. This theory focuses on gradually disclosing personal information to foster deeper
relationships. Similarly, talking about what I was feeling progressed through the initial disclosure
and relationship-building stages. I initially shared surface-level concerns about my relationship,
gradually sharing deeper problems and personal experiences. This connection emphasizes its
suitability as an illustration for this theory.
In the initial stages, I experienced what Altman and Taylor referred to as “orientation” in
the SPT. This stage involves superficial and non-intimate communication as individuals get to
know each other. As I opened up about my toxic relationship, my mom and close friends
reciprocated with empathetic responses, aligning with the theory’s idea of reciprocity in
communication. This back-and-forth self-disclosure helped establish trust, emphasizing the
theory of building a strong emotional connection. As the months progressed, I moved into deeper
stages. This is where the concepts of “exploratory affective exchange” and “affective exchange”
were evident (Pennington, 2020, p.2). I began sharing more personal thoughts and feelings
related to my experience, and my mom and close friends reciprocated appropriately, fostering
trust and empathy in our relationship. As self-disclosure deepened, so did the level of intimacy in
the interaction. The theory’s “stable exchange” aligns with the later stages of my experience,
involving more discussions about the root causes of my emotions and healing strategies.
Applying the SPT to my personal experience highlighted the significance of
self-disclosure in building a solid trustworthy relationship. It revealed that as my mom, close
friends and I gradually shared more personal emotions and reactions, it created a deeper
connection and trust. This understanding emphasizes the importance of openness and
vulnerability in the healing process, which may not have been as evident without the theoretical
framework to guide the analysis.
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In conclusion, the application of Social Penetration Theory to my experience
demonstrates the theory’s relevance in understanding the role of self-disclosure in building solid
interpersonal connections. My mom and close friends’ self-disclosure facilitated a deeper
therapeutic alliance, demonstrating the theory’s practical applicability in real-world relationships,
including therapeutic contexts.
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Reference
Pennington, N. (2020). An examination of relational maintenance and dissolution through
social networking sites. Computers in Human Behavior, 105, 106196.
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