What is social penetration theory?

Question

What is social penetration theory?

Answer

Social Penetration Theory (SPT) is a communication theory that explains how relationships develop through self-disclosure, moving from superficial to more intimate levels over time. It is often visualized using the “onion model,” which represents layers of personal information that are gradually revealed as relationships deepen.

Key Concepts of Social Penetration Theory

Self-Disclosure: Central to SPT, self-disclosure involves sharing personal information to increase intimacy in relationships. This process is characterized by both breadth (variety of topics) and depth (level of intimacy) [1] [2].

Stages of Relationship Development: SPT outlines four stages:

Orientation: Initial interactions with limited personal information shared.
Exploratory Affective Exchange: More personal information is shared, but still within safe boundaries.
Affective Exchange: Emotional exchanges become more frequent, and deeper personal information is shared.
Stable Exchange: Relationships reach a level of openness and intimacy with free and honest exchanges [2] [3].

Rewards and Costs: The theory also considers the balance of rewards and costs in relationships, influencing the decision to disclose more personal information [1].

Applications and Extensions

Digital Communication: SPT has been extended to online platforms, such as social media and online dating, where self-disclosure patterns can be observed in digital interactions [4] [5] [6].

Ethical and Cultural Contexts: The theory has been applied to understand ethical decision-making and cultural influences on relationship development [7] [8].

Conclusion

Social Penetration Theory provides a framework for understanding how relationships evolve through self-disclosure, moving from superficial to intimate exchanges. It highlights the importance of communication in relationship development and has been adapted to various contexts, including digital communication and cultural studies.

References

1. Carpenter, A., & Greene, K. Social Penetration Theory. . 2015 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118540190.WBEIC160
2. Hammer, M., & Gudykunst, W. The Influence of Ethnicity and Sex on Social Penetration in Close Friendships. Journal of Black Studies. 1987; 17. https://doi.org/10.1177/002193478701700403
3. Nurmala, N., & Prasongko, W. The Implementation of The Social Penetration Theory in Da’wah Communication. Syiar: Jurnal Komunikasi dan Penyiaran Islam. 2024 https://doi.org/10.54150/syiar.v4i2.545
4. Pennington, N. Extending Social Penetration Theory to Facebook. . 2021
5. Miftajanna, S., & Irwansyah, I. The Meaning of Online Dating through Social Penetration Theory. JURNAL LENSA MUTIARA KOMUNIKASI. 2022 https://doi.org/10.51544/jlmk.v6i2.1668
6. Puspitasari, I., & Aprilia, M. Penetrasi Sosial dalam Mencari Pasangan Pada Aplikasi Kencan Online Bumble. MUKASI: Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi. 2022 https://doi.org/10.54259/mukasi.v1i3.986
7. Baack, D., Fogliasso, C., & Harris, J. The Personal Imapact of Ethical Decisiosn: A Social Penetration Theory. Journal of Business Ethics. 2000; 24. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006016113319
8. Rahmadani, R., & Flowerina, I. Strategi Komunikasi Jurnalis Perempuan Dalam Peliputan Kasus Kekerasan Seksual Terhadap Perempuan Di Kota Padang. JKOMDIS : Jurnal Ilmu Komunikasi Dan Media Sosial. 2024 https://doi.org/10.47233/jkomdis.v4i1.1588