Social Penetration Theory

Social penetration theory is established by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor in 1973 to dispense a comprehension on how information exchange purpose in the development and discontinuation of interpersonal relationship (Carpenter, A., & Greene, K, 2015). Social Penetration theory refers to the reciprocal-behaviors or process of relationship bonding that occur between individuals - as their relationship develop, interpersonal communication moves from partially facile, non-intimate levels to deeper, more personal ones (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 171). Social penetration theory asserts that this process occurs essentially through self-disclosure. Self- disclosure is the purposeful process of revealing information about oneself (Donald Baack, Christine Fogliasso, & James Harris., 2000). The theory proposes that relationships become more intimate over time when individual divulge more information about themselves. Notwithstanding, Social penetration can take place in different contexts of relationships: romantic, friendship, social groups and work relationships. Computer-mediated communication contexts also applies in social penetration theory; online dating and virtual teams. Self- disclosure patterns fit Social penetration with reinforcement dynamics. Therefore, when an individual gains positive reinforcement from interaction of another individual, over time he or she will unveil more about himself/herself, especially regarding personal or intimate items (Carpenter, A., & Greene, K., 2015). This process is amplified if both parties feel positively about the relationship.

As a result, the onion model is applicable metaphor to describe how social penetration theory functions - suggesting that when individuals “peel back” one layer of personal informations, “layers” of personalities are penetrated as time passes and intimacy grows. The amount of times and stages individual must experienced to reveal the “core” layer of the onion and intimate details, can take times and efforts (“Altman & Taylor's Social Penetration Theory: Important People In Our Lives.”,n.d.). The outer layer of a person that is visible to the public is the public image. Through self-disclosure over time, the deepest layers of a person is revealed to significant others is the private self. Superficial layers, middle layers, inner layers and core personality are included in social penetration theory that describes the process of self-divulging. Partly of shallow informations such as likes and dislikes in music or clothing are part of superficial informations. Social attitudes and political views are part of middle layers. Spiritual values, worst fears, insecurities, goals, dreams, hopes and secrets are part of inner layers(West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 175).

In order for relationship to developed, there must be a reciprocal informations between individuals. Reciprocity is the central element of social penetration theory - which defines the process whereby an individual’s self disclosure guide other individual to reveal themselves(West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 175). Breadth is crucial to social penetration theory - which is the number of topics discussed. As trust and reliance are formed in the relationship, an individual’s response set is divided into a sequence of “breadth” categories. Breadth categories incorporate items such as: politics, sports, religion, work and conceivably “right” or “wrong” in varied occurrences. Depth is the stage of intimacy that leads to these interactions (Donald Baack, Christine Fogliasso, & James Harris, 2000).

One of the substantial factors which forms speeds of self-disclosure is individual determination regarding the satisfaction and costs related with an interpersonal movement. Through rewards and costs, Altman and Taylor insisted that through those terms - relationship can be envisioned. Rewards are those relational occurrences or actions that elevate satisfaction, pleasure and contentment, whereas cost are those relational occurrences that triggers negative feelings (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 178). To put it simply, if the relationship offers more reward than costs, the relationship presumably last longer. Reward-cost ratio refers to the balance between positive and negative relationship experiences (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 178). Thus, in order to keep the relationship in equilibrium, reward-cost ratio is indispensable to maintain.

As the relationship evolved, they pierced profoundly into personal matters and private. Altman and Taylor developed social penetration theory stages which include orientation, exploratory affective exchange, affective exchange, and stable exchange. The first stage is orientation, where it solely occurs at public level; people only share superficial informations about themselves. In this beginning stage, people are cautious and vigilant when disclosing information (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 180). For example, during the first date, people have the tendency to rely on public image. If the person is loquacious and easy going, he/she is perceived as sociable, lively and positive minded. According to Altman and Taylor, people tend not to judge or evaluate during orientation stage. This behavior would be perceived injudicious and might harm further interactions (“Altman & Taylor's Social Penetration Theory: Important People In Our Lives.”,n.d).

The second stage of social penetration theory is exploratory affective exchange, where individual share less shallow and superficial information and less wariness when they disclose their information. Both people begin to prospect the possibilities and their private life becomes more public (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 180). For example, if two acquaintances meet at a Drake’s concert, at this stage their conversations might focus on his songs, albums, social media and news regarding Drake’s life. In this stage, people formed casual friendship or acquaintances and personality begins to emerge.

The third stage of social penetration theory is affective exchange, in which interactions and sharing informations from the intermediate layers are more casual and unpretentious. In this stage, disclosing informations in a spontaneous and casual way. This stage reveal further commitment and a comfort level (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 180).

The final stage of social penetration theory is stable stage, in which involves the development in evolving relationship and is characterized by openness, breadth and depth that cover variety of conversation topic. In this stage, is marked by honesty and highly intimate, the relationship now reaches a plateau in which personal things are shared. At this level of intimacy, two people have completed the process of peeling away the outer layers that are used to protect themselves from the world (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p. 180).

Although some relationships are inclined to be penetrated, yet relationship can fall into depenetration stage - which can results in relationship dissolution (West, R. L., & Turner, L. H., 2018, p.173). Social depentration is considered the closing or termination of some fragments of an individual’s life to his or her partner. Friends or romantic partners might drift apart, and their interactions will be different depending on the path (Donald Baack, Christine Fogliasso, & James Harris, 2000).

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