Liking and Self-Disclosure in opposite Sex Dyads

Abstract

A review of studies of self-disclosure indicated that own self-disclosure was more often related to liking for partner than was other's self-disclosure and that relationship held for females rather than males. Similarity of content and similarity of amount of self-disclosure between partners have been proposed as conditions which could account for the failure of other's self-disclosure to be related to liking for partner. In a study of self-disclosure by 59 dyads of both sexes during an initial laboratory meeting, only the relationship between own self-disclosure and liking for partner was significant and then only for females. Reassessment of theory and methods for studying the relationships are needed.