Social Penetration Theory - 827 Words

Founder of the theory The founders of the theory were Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor. Altman is a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of Utah whereby Taylor is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas, Arlington. Altman and Taylor developed this theory to provide an understanding of the closeness between two individuals. Apparently, social penetration is defined as a process that moves a relationship from non-intimate to intimate. The theory states that this process occurs primarily through self-disclosure and it is guided by the assumptions that relationship development is systematic and predictable and it is also include deterioration or growing apart. This theory also claims that people’s†¦show more content†¦The decision to disclose is based on the perceived rewards the person will gain if he or she discloses information. If a person perceives that the cause of disclosing information is greater that the rewards for disclosing information than no information will be disclosed. The larger the reward – cost ratio the more disclosure takes place. If you think to the relationships you have been in you will probably find that in almost all of them more disclosure took place at the out sets of the relationship than at any other place. That happens because people initially disclose superficial information that costs very little if another person finds it out. Future Development of The Theory To understand the proximity relationship between two people, Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor (1973) conceptualized a theory called Social Penetration. Both made extensive studies in an area of social ties on various types of couples. Their theory describes a pattern of relationship development, a process which they identify as social penetration. Social penetration refers to a bonding process in which a relationship of individuals to move from superficial communication toward a more intimate communication. The relationship is regular and predictable in its development. This is because the relationship is something important and ‘†¦already exists in the heart of our humanity’ (Rogers and Escudero, 2004). The social penetration theoristShow MoreRelatedSocial Penetration Theory : Crazy, Love1117 Words   |  5 PagesMaggie Decena Professor McNelis September 22nd, 2017 Application of Social Penetration Theory The film Crazy, Stupid, Love depicts the dissolution of Cal Weaver’s once perfect life. High school sweethearts living in a suburban town with steady jobs and kids, Cal and his wife Emily share the illusion of a picture-perfect love story. However, when Emily reveals her act of adultery, she asks Cal for a divorce. Cal falls into a deep depression that leads him to bask in his sorrows at singles barsRead MoreSocial Penetration Theory Is Defined As The Process Of Bonding1198 Words   |  5 PagesAccording to Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor, Social Penetration Theory is defined as the process of bonding that moves a relationship from superficial to more intimate. The theory can be perceived as a game plan for people, especially in a relationship. This can give you guidance on how to interact with individuals in order to establish a stable, and developing relationship through interpersonal communication. For example, when you encounter someone whom you’ve never met before , you may ask someRead MoreThe Social Penetration Theory1548 Words   |  7 PagesThe Social Penetration Theory People often times fail to realize how their communication can greatly impact their social interactions as well as aid in the formation of strong intimate relationships they may hold with their friends or even their significant other. We use communication in many forms, whether verbal or non-verbal to gain a better understanding of one another and to reduce our uncertainty towards each other. By allowing ourselves to take part in the communication process, we thereforeRead MoreThe Social Penetration Theory1257 Words   |  5 Pagesthat they desire in return. The Social Penetration Theory, The Expectancy Violations Theory and Constructivism all support this general conclusion that men and women weigh out the positive and negatives when deciding on continuing friendships through communication. People will only want to communicate with those whose incentives affect them positively and can be used to help further their successes. Argument The Social Penetration Theory The Social Penetration theory theorizes how the closeness inRead MoreSocial Penetration Theory And The Theory981 Words   |  4 Pages Social Penetration Theory Yunsik Jung Western Kentucky University Abstract Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor originally created the Social Penetration Theory and the theory deals with the ways in which relationships develop and progress. It explains how communication enriches the relationship of two or more individuals. The theory states that closeness develops if communication begins at relatively shallow non-intimate levels and moves in gradual and orderly fashion to deeper more personal levelsRead MoreThe Theory Of Social Penetration Theory Essay1407 Words   |  6 Pages Social Penetration Theory Charnae Jenkins Due Date: 12/6/16 Farmingdale State College Professor Mobley Abstract Social penetration theory is the process of of relationship bonding where individuals move from a shallow connection to an intimate connection. People assume that the relationships will instantly progress from a slow bond to a deeper bond without people breaking down each other personality levels. It is a give and take relationshipRead MoreThe Theory Of Social Penetration Theory1010 Words   |  5 PagesSelected Theory: Social Penetration Theory was created by Irwin Altman, the professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Utah, and Dalmas Taylor, who was provost and professor of psychology at Lincoln University before he passed away. This theory is used to describe the way people grow closer in a â€Å"gradual and orderly fashion from superficial to intimate levels of exchange as a function of both immediate and forecasted outcomes† (Altman Taylor, 1973, pg. 96), which the authors of the theoryRead MoreSocial Penetration Theory And Social Judgment Theory1614 Words à ‚  |  7 Pagesweeks we have learned about Social Penetration Theory and Social Judgment Theory, and I immediately identified these theories at work in my own life; additionally, I have found that Symbolic Convergence Theory also helps me explain how new relationships form as I build rapport in the classroom. Ten years ago, I began as an outsider looking in. Now, I find myself thriving in close relationships, in the middle of society rather than isolated on the outside. Each of the theories I write about here helpRead MoreThe Social Penetration Theory Of Communication1509 Words   |  7 Pages The Social Penetration Theory and Its Application to Plot Lines for Successful Films Everyone goes through situations in which they form new relationships with people they previously did not know. For example, when a student moves onto a college campus for his or her freshman year, the student will have to go through the process of making new friends and getting to know his or her roommate. The social penetration theory of communication explains how new relationships formRead MoreEssay On Social Penetration Theory1328 Words   |  6 PagesSocial Penetration Theory (STP) explains the process of how relationships develop through self-disclosure. (Griffin, Ledbetter Sparks 2015) Through self-disclosure, closeness develops as the relationship continues to grow. To present Social Penetration Theory, I am choosing to write about a personal experience on how my best friend Taylor and I became close. I will be explaining on how Taylor and I developed our relationship overtime through self-disclosure and personality structure. As Taylor