Communication and The Self, Part 2

Presenting the SelfDisclosing the Self

Identity Management

• Identity Management: The communication strategies that people use to influence how others view them.

Presenting the Selves

• Public Self/Presenting Self • Private Self

Characteristics of Identity Management

1. We have multiple identities2. ID Management is Collaborative3. Deliberate or Unconscious4. Varies by situation

Why Manage Impressions

1. Social Rules2. Personal Goals3. Relational Goals

How do we Manage Impressions?

1. Face to face communication2. Social Media3. ID management & Honesty

We must decide what to disclose about our self to others in order to manage our

identities.

Self-Disclosure

• Self-Disclosure: The process of deliberate revealing information about oneself that is significant and would not normally be known to others.

Models of Self-DisclosureThe Social Penetration Model

Models of Self-Disclosure

Benefits to Self-Disclosure

• Catharsis• Self-Clarification• Self-Validation• Reciprocity• Impression Formation• Relational Maintenance• Moral Obligation• Social Influence• Self Defense

Risks of Self-Disclosure

• Rejection• Negative Impression• Decrease in Relational Satisfaction• Loss of Influence/Control• Hurt

Guidelines for Appropriate Self-Disclosure

1. Self-Disclose the kind of information you want others to disclose to you.

Guidelines

• 2. Self-Disclose more intimate information only when you believe the disclosure represents acceptable risk.

Guidelines

• 3. Continue intimate self-disclosure only if it is reciprocated.

Guidelines

• 4. Move Self-Disclosure to deeper levels gradually.

Final Guideline

• 5. Reserve the most personal and sensitive self-disclosure for ongoing, intimate relationships.

Balance

• Important to have correct balance in relationship of self-disclosure and privacy.

• What is the correct balance?

Alternatives to Self-Disclosure

• Silence• Lie• Equivocation• Hinting

Self Concept Assignment

• Due Tuesday, 9/18!