Target personality characteristics and self-disclosure: An exploratory study

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of target personality characteristics on self-disclosure. Using the Bem Q-Sort Technique, the subjects (71 male and 73 female undergraduate students) described the personality of the person to whom they disclose the most and the personality of the person to whom they disclose the least, as well as their own personality. Factor analysis revealed that there were several personality types to whom people disclose the most and the least. The various types are described and discussed. Results supported the hypothesis that both males and females prefer disclosing to individuals who are perceived as similar to themselves in personality. This finding has important implications for the therapeutic relationship with regard to matching therapist and client.Although self-disclosure has become a widely researched topic, there have been few studies on the attributes of the person to whom the disclosures are directed (i.e., the target). The identification and delineation of variables that facilitate or inhibit disclosure may have important implications for the selection and training of clinical psychologists and counselors.Requests for reprints should be addressed to Eva E. Skoe,

Personality, Self‐Disclosure and Friendship Between Chinese University Roommates

“…Of course, one may self-disclose more to persons one perceives as possessing these attributes, thereby building stronger friendships. Such a result would be consistent with Skoe and Ksionzky's (1985) finding that self-disclosing behavior is related to the personality of its recipient, as perceived by the discloser. In this model, however, it is the target's specific characteristics that elicit self-disclosure from the perceiver.…”

The conflict between privacy and self-disclosure in Social Networking Services

“…Such factors as the conditions of disclosure [8], the characteristics of the target of the disclosing person [9], the level of reciprocality of disclosure [10], and the cultural differences [II] could influence the effectiveness of disclosure.…”