Effects of Unanticipated Self-Disclosure on Recipients of Varying Levels of Self-Esteem: A Research Note

Abstract

Assuming that another's self-disclosure can be rewarding, it was hypothesized that attraction for one who disclosed a relatively high amount of personal information would be greater than attraction for a low discloser when the disclosure was perceived as being appropriate. Also, it was hypothesized that persons of high self-esteem may be more attracted to a high discloser than persons of moderate or low self-esteem. An experiment examined the effects of a confederate's self-disclosure (high or low degree of personal content) on a recipient. Greater attraction was demonstrated toward the confederate in the low disclosure condition, and her behavior was perceived to be more appropriate in this condition. Persons who participated in each of the experimental conditions were divided into three self-esteem categories. Those with intermediate levels of self-esteem were found to be the most receptive to a disclosing other, followed by subjects of low, and finally high self-esteem.

Communication Boundary Management: A Theoretical Model of Managing Disclosure of Private Information Between Marital Couples

“…When a person receives private information that is unsolicited, the information is communicated unexpectedly (Gilbert, 1977). In this case, the receiving spouse will likely try to identify the purpose for the information and the expectations for a response.…”

“…The macro assumptions in this theory suggest, first, that the recipient is a critical factor in the disclosure equation. The receiver of unsolicited disclosure has been largely ignored, with the exception of Gilbert's (1977) work. We know very little about how recipients respond to disclosure and learn to cope with information that they did not request.…”

Disclosure as a disability‐management strategy: A review and conclusions

“…Norm violators are not liked by others, regardless of the intimacy of the disclosure (Chaikin & Derlega, 1974), so the handicapped individual must attempt to disclose at a time in the conversation when it is consistent with the previous topic. Gilbert (1977) defines inappropriate disclosure as that which is unanticipated and communicated at a time when the other participant has no opportunity to respond. This guideline may help the disabled person make decisions about disclosure, and may help future researchers examine the role of appropriateness in disclosure about a handicap.…”

An Index to Human Communication Research, 1974?1983

“…(Wheeless, 1976). (Wheeless & Grotz, 1979, (Gilbert, 1977. (Wheeless & Grotz, 1977), (Thompson & Seibold.…”

“…(Greenblatt el al., 1980). SELF-ESTEEM (Gilbert, 1977), . SELF-REPORTS (Hewes & Haight, 1980 Cody, 1982).…”