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The influence of self-esteem on levels of self-disclosure

Author

Pamela Lynne Kagan, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

1991

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Graduate School

First Advisor

Linda L. Nolan

First Committee Member

John Phillips

Second Committee Member

Randall J. Koper

Abstract

This study will further the base of research concerned with the phenomenon of self-esteem and its relationship to self-disclosure. The view one has of self significantly affects attitudes, behaviors, evaluations, and cognitive processes. By correlating the self-esteem measure with a pen and paper measure of self-disclosure, and a behavioral measure of self-disclosure, we will have a better understanding of the relationship self-esteem has in regulating or influencing what we disclose of ourselves to others. Also, we can determine if one's reported disclosures are a measurement of one's actual disclosures.

This study examined whether self-esteem influences an individual's readiness to self-disclose.

It would make intuitive sense that we should seek to understand conditions that affect the degree to which individuals are more or less likely to disclose information about themselves. In this way, we will be better equipped to promote and maintain relationships. Research has suggested that disclosure promotes relational growth. If we better understand the conditions that affect levels of disclosure, we can establish deeper, more committed relations with others, as well as communicate more effectively.

Self-esteem refers to an individual's personal judgement of his or her worth. This construct was operationalized by using the Index of Self-Esteem, ISE.

Self-disclosure is any message about the self that a person communicates to another. It implies that in some situations an individual chooses how much or how little to divulge. This construct was operationalized by using Viii the Disclosiveness/Disclosure Scale-RSDS, and also by having subjects rate their actual disclosures: BSDl - openness; BSD2 - comfort; and BSD3 - level (See Appendices A,B,& C).

Pages

62

Recommended Citation

Kagan, Pamela Lynne. (1991). The influence of self-esteem on levels of self-disclosure. University of the Pacific, Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2214