Social penetration theory of interpersonal relationships.

Hi community! This week, we told about the social penetration theory in the Knei newsletter. It takes into consideration the matter of how people become closer in their connection. Below you can read the piece of that study that can be useful in building your professional relationships.

"The social penetration theory (SPT) was formulated by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor and presented in their 1973 book “Social penetration: the development of interpersonal relationships." . According to the social penetration theory, people go from superficial to intimate connections through repeated, positive interactions.

The theory is based on four basic assumptions:

• Relationship development moves from superficial layers to intimate ones.
• Interpersonal relationships develop in a generally systematic and predictable manner.
• Relational development can move backward, resulting in de-penetration and dissolution.
• Self-disclosure is the key to facilitate relationship development, and involves disclosing and sharing personal information to others.

The main instrument in building and displaying increasing trust is self-disclosure. Self-disclosure is “information, thoughts, or feelings we tell others about ourselves that they would not otherwise know” (McLean, 2005). Taking it step by step and not touching on personal questions too soon, two or more can help develop positive relationships.

Considering self-disclosure as one of the main drivers of building trust can help us explain the impact of some social activities. From that perspective, hanging out with a person, especially in a conversation-rich setting, is a method to set up for mutual self-disclosure.

For instance, having a coffee, going for a walk, or gathering at a bar. Participants (or the inviting side) create a comfortable environment that welcomes people to lower their natural defence and show a piece of personal selves."

You can read more in Knei newsletter edition (sharing this for the first time!)

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In the following Knei app update, we plan to work on Knei usability to make some basic operations smoother and prepare one special project to take a thoughtful look at your relations.
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