Social penetration theory

The social penetration theory (SPT) proposes that as relationships develop, interpersonal communication moves from relatively shallow, non-intimate levels to deeper, more intimate ones.[1] The theory was formulated by psychologists Irwin Altman of the University of Utah[2] and Dalmas Taylor of the University of Delaware[3] in 1973 to understand relationship development between individuals. Altman and Taylor noted that relationships "involve different levels of intimacy of exchange or degree of social penetration". SPT is known as an objective theory as opposed to an interpretive theory, meaning it is based on data drawn from actual experiments and not simply from conclusions based on individuals' specific experiences.[4]

SPT states that the relationship development occurs primarily through self-disclosure—when one intentionally reveals information such as personal motives, desires, feelings, thoughts, and experiences to others. This theory assumes that as people becomes closer with others, positive reinforcement through positive interactions allow people to achieve deeper levels of intimacy.[5] The theory is also guided by the assumptions that relationship development is systematic and predictable. SPT also examines the process of de-penetration, how some relationships regress over time, and eventually end.[6]

  1. ^ Altman, I. & Taylor, D. (1973). Social penetration: The development of interpersonal relationships. New York: Holt. ISBN 9780030766350.
  2. ^ The University of Utah. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://psych.utah.edu/newsletter/
  3. ^ Jones, J. M. (1998). Dalmas A. Taylor: 1933–1998. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 3(3), 287–288. doi:10.1037/h0092742
  4. ^ Ayres, Joe. (2009). "Uncertainty and social penetration theory expectations about relationship communication: A comparative test". Western Journal of Speech Communication. 43. . doi:10.1080/10570317909373968
  5. ^ Communication for Business Professionals. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/commbusprofcdn/chapter/interpersonal-needs/
  6. ^ West, Richard L.; Turner, Lynn H. (2019). Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and Application, Sixth Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. p. 173. ISBN 978-1-259-87032-3.