Self-disclosure

n Jourard’s transparent self

n disclosure reciprocity

n friends not reciprocal but more intimate

n gender differences

Disclosure of traumatic experiences

n Disclosing “traumatic” event

n fewer health center visits

n increased negative mood

n reduced physical symptoms (arthritis)

n not “traumatic” per se

n not due to disinhibition

Loneliness

n Social network smaller or less satisfying than the person desires

n negative expectations of interactions

n lack of social skills

n fewer questions

n lack of appropriate self-disclosure

Self-esteem

n Negative feedback reduces effort in people with low self-esteem

n high self-esteem - self-enhancement

n low self-esteem - self protection, self-handicapping

n self-esteem stability

n sensitivity to feedback

n cultural variability

Need for privacy and solitude

n Moderate levels of solitude may be beneficial

n individual differences in preference for solitude

n people who enjoy time alone still spend time with other people