Self-Presentation and Self-Disclosure

Chapter 4 explores the roles of self-presentation and self-disclosure on relationship initiation and maintenance. Issues include getting acquainted, attraction maintenance, and getting to know one another. Theoretical aspects cover self-presentation tactics, balance between positive image and honesty, self-disclosure models (social penetration and reciprocity), and communication stages by Knapp. Research findings highlight modesty’s positive impact, cognitive resource depletion in self-presentation, suppression leading to disclosure of hidden information, and gender differences in online self-presentation. Self-disclosure models depict varying rates of breadth and depth increase, reciprocity’s role in sensitivity, and changes in intimacy over relationship maturation. Individual and contextual differences shape self-disclosure’s trajectory and outcome. Strategies for relationship development, self-presentation challenges, and the complexities of self-disclosure across relationship stages are covered.