Guidelines For Self-Disclosure

Because self-disclosure lead to the benefits and dangers, study carefully the possibility of the consequences before deciding to perform self-disclosure. Which is almost as difficult is the proper response to self-disclosure to others. Because self-disclosure is a very important and very sensitive, we suggest guidelines for (1) decide whether to perform self-disclosure and how, and (2) perceive self-disclosure to others.

Guidelines for Self-Disclosure

Each person must take individual decisions regarding self-disclosure. Every decision will be based on a number of variables, many of which we have mentioned in earlier discussion. The following guidelines will help you ask questions that apply before making your decision.

Motivation Self-Disclosure. Self-disclosure should be encouraged by a sense of interest in the relationship, against others involved, and to yourself. While the conduct of self-disclosure to hurt listeners. For example, a girl who told their parents that they hinder rather than help her emotional development may express a desire to hurt and punish the parents rather than to improve relations between them. Also, of course, self-disclosure may not be used to punish themselves (perhaps because of feelings of guilt or unresolved conflicts.) Self-disclosure should be useful and productive for all parties involved.

Self-Disclosure propriety. Self-disclosure should be in accordance with the environment (context) and the relationship between speaker and listener. Before performing the self-disclosure is important, ask yourself whether the time and place are correct. Can you set the time and place which is better? Does self-disclosure was warranted for the relationship that exists? Generally, the more personal nature of self-disclosure, the closer relationship is needed. Perhaps we should not reveal anything that is too personal to people who are not too familiar, to the casual acquaintance, or in the early stages of a relationship. This advice is especially true for self-disclosure that are negative for example, those dealing with financial or sexual difficulties, or experience of dependence on drugs.

Self-disclosure of other people. During your self-disclosure, give the other person a chance to do is self-disclosure. If the other person does not perform self-disclosure as well, think back to your self-disclosure. A lack of reciprocal self-disclosure is probably a sign that the person is at that moment and the atmosphere was not welcoming your self-disclosure.

So, express yourself in stages. Express little by little. When self-disclosure is too fast and at the same time, an act of reciprocity does not usually happen. Furthermore, you lose the ability to withdraw if the feedback you received was not positive enough.

Expenses that may be incurred Self-Disclosure. Consider carefully the difficulties that you may incur due to self-disclosure. Can you bear the risk of losing a job if you reveal that the ex-convict? Are you willing to risk a breakup if you disclose the past relationship problems?

Ask yourself if you cause an undue burden on the listener? Parents often impose undue burden on their children by revealing marital problems, incompatibility, and so forth. Often self-disclosure as it does not make the relationship better make it even more tense. Often self-disclosure is done to relieve feelings of guilt without considering the burden to be borne by others.

Guidelines for Responding to Other People's Self-Disclosure

When someone reveals himself to you, this is usually a sign of trust and affection. In performing its duties as receiver, remember, remember the following.

Take advantage of Effective Listening Skills and Active. In unit 5, we identify effective listening skills. This is particularly important when we