Self-Disclosure and Relational Outcomes: The Context-Dependent Disclosure Intimacy Satisfaction (CDDIS) Model

Abstract

To further the understanding of disclosure’s role in close relationships I conducted five studies guided by a new theoretical model—the Context-Dependent Disclosure, Intimacy, Satisfaction (CDDIS) model. According to the CDDIS model, disclosure, intimacy, and satisfaction are all connected, and the valence and strength of associations between the constructs depend on the context in which disclosure occurs. Furthermore, the model suggests a developmental trajectory, where disclosure leads to intimacy in one’s relationship, which in turn leads to satisfaction. Specifically I tested three hypotheses: (1) Levels of disclosure are directly associated with levels of intimacy, (2) the strength and valence of these associations between disclosure and intimacy depend on context, and (3) levels of disclosure are indirectly associated with levels of satisfaction. I tested the influence of context on the model by comparing disclosure in online vs. offline contexts, and disclosure in romantic vs. friend relationships. I also examined how different content (self-focused vs. partner-focused) influences the model. The five studies revealed that greater disclosure was associated with higher intimacy when done offline (Studies 1 and 4), and lower intimacy when done online (Studies 1-4), in both the discloser (Study 1) and partner (Studies 2-4). The negative association of online disclosure and intimacy was present in romantic relationships, but not in friendships (Study 1), and it did not hold when the disclosure content focused on one’s partner (Study 5). One factor that helped explain the differences between the outcomes of online and offline disclosure was perceived inclusivity of recipients (Study 4). Finally, as expected, the association between disclosure and satisfaction was mediated through intimacy (Studies 1-5). Implications for disclosure, relational processes, and close relationships are discussed.