Running head: ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Annotated Bibliography
Social Penetration Theory
Erin Bagatta
COMM 200: Communication Theory
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
March 17, 2016

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Annotated Bibliography: Social Penetration Theory

Beike, D. R., Brandon, N. R., & Cole, H. E. (2016). Is sharing specific autobiographical
memories a distinct form of self-disclosure? Journal of Experimental Psychology:
General, 145(4), 434-450. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
In a study conducted by the University of Arizona, levels of self-disclosure and comfort
were examined as a vast array of participants exchanged personal memories with people
whom they have never met. This process of sharing rather intimate information
essentially bypassed the orientation and exploratory affective stages of social penetration.
Initially participants reported that they were apprehensive of discussing such
autobiographical memories, but later explained they felt a close relationship had been
formed with their confidant.
Seeing as this study was published earlier this year, the information it provides is current
and therefore accurate. The results support what the social penetration theory states in
that personal, reciprocated levels of conversation yield deeper levels of intimacy. The
speed and depth of what one discloses ultimately shapes the development of the
relationship.
Harmeling, C. M. (2015). Transformational Relationship Events. Journal of Marketing, 79(5),
39-62. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
Transformational relationship events also referred to as turning points strongly
influence the direction of interpersonal relationships. The gradual process of incremental
development is halted as a result of these events, which have the capability of producing
dramatic effects. Turning points occur when ones expectations of another person are

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

disconfirmed. In instances such as this, people restructure their view of relationships and
assess their own actions and self-perception.
The incorporation of detailed charts throughout the article enhances the readers
understanding of transformational relationship events. These events cause each individual
to analyze and reflect upon not only their own behaviors, but also the behaviors of their
partner. When two people openly communicate with one another, it presents an
opportunity for their relationship to progress.
Hensley, W. E. (1996). A Theory Of The Valenced Other: The Intersection Of The LookingGlass-Self And Social Penetration. Social Behavior and Personality: An International
Journal Soc Behav Pers, 24(3), 293-308. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
This article states that Cooleys theory of the looking-glass-self and the theory of social
penetration work together symbiotically. It is believed that an individuals self is
constructed from their interactions with others. These interactions vary in their level of
influence, depending on the closeness and strength of the relationship.
This journal entry proves to be fairly credible considering it successfully supports
proposed claims and lacks bias. Human behavior is very complex and in order to increase
our understanding of it we must consider multiple theories, not just one. In addition to
this, it is important to note the strengths and weaknesses of various theories before
viewing situations from a certain mindset.
Hwang, J., Han, H., & Kim, S. (2015). How can employees engage customers? International
Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 27(6), 1117-1134. Retrieved March
16, 2016.

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

As concluded from a case study, disclosure is often reciprocated between servers and
customers in restaurant settings. This sense of mutuality provokes feelings of trust and
fondness among customers. Restaurant managers commonly seek to employ people who
are personable because it has shown to increase the comfort and happiness of customers.
Social penetration theory states that an individual often mirrors the level of disclosure
expressed by another. This relates to the concept that humans view relationships on a
cost-benefit scale. Actions that bring about rewards are typically repeated, whereas
negative experiences create distaste.
Mtt, K., & Uusiautti, S. (2013). Silence is Not Golden: Review of Studies of Couple
Interaction. Communication Studies, 64(1), 33-48. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
Open communication is crucial among couples involved in romantic relationships. Since
words can often be misconceived, interpersonal conversations not only resolve conflict
but add depth to relationships. Based on evidence represented in this review, frequent
(and honest) communication leads to stronger, long lasting romantic relationships.
The development of a relationship typically progresses quickly in its initial stages. If a
partner withholds information, depenetration comes into effect. This aspect of the social
penetration theory states that a friendship amongst two people will weaken if they avoid
open conversation.
Nelson, P. A., & Thorne, A. (2012). Personality and Metaphor Use: How Extraverted and
Introverted Young Adults Experience Becoming Friends. Eur. J. Pers. European Journal
of Personality, 26(6), 600-612. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
Personality plays a significant role in the progress of relationships. Extroverted
individuals, who tend to be outwardly expressive and comfortable among strangers, build

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

relationships at a fairly fast pace. Introverted individuals, in contrast, are typically quieter
and less motivated to spark up a conversation with someone who is unfamiliar. Despite
this information, the quality of relationships amongst extroverts seems to sit at a
shallower place than that of introverts.
In reference to the social penetration theory, introverts move through the five stages of a
relationship at a slower pace because they initially refrain from self-disclosure. Extroverts
on the other hand advance through these stages more rapidly because they feel
comfortable sharing such information. This study is informative yet slightly exclusive
considering only young adults were examined.
Pennington, N. (2008). Will You Be My Friend: Facebook as a Model for the Evolution of the
Social Penetration Theory. Conference Papers: National Communication Association, 125. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
This study uses the popular social media site, Facebook, as a model to explain the social
penetration theory. Facebook has made it more acceptable to disclose personal
information to the world such as ones relationship status, sexual preference, music
interests, and hobbies. Because of this, the stages of social penetration are not sequential
(as they would be in face-to-face conversation).
This idea raises questions such as, Do online relationships share the depth of real-life
conversations? and How has the impact of disclosing personal information online affect
the way we physically interact with others? As technology advances, different levels and
means of socialization are bound to develop. Will this enhance or hurt they way we
socialize with others?

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ruppel, E. K. (2015). The Affordance Utilization Model: Communication Technology Use as

Relationships Develop. Marriage & Family Review, 51(8), 669-686. Retrieved March 16,
2016.
In reference to the social penetration theory, introverts move through the five stages of a
relationship at a slower pace because they initially refrain from self-disclosure. Extroverts
on the other hand advance through these stages more rapidly because they feel
comfortable sharing such information. This study is informative yet slightly exclusive
considering only young adults were examined.
The development of a relationship typically progresses quickly in its initial stages. If a
partner withholds information, depenetration comes into effect. This aspect of the social
penetration theory states that a friendship amongst two people will weaken if they avoid
open conversation.
Tang, J., & Wang, C. (2012). Self-Disclosure Among Bloggers: Re-Examination of Social
Penetration Theory. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 15(5), 245-250.
Retrieved March 17, 2016.
Bloggers post a great deal of their personal information and opinions online knowing an
audience will be exposed to their content. Studies have shown that younger bloggers are
more likely to disclose personal information as opposed to those of an older age.
Research has also shown that people tend to post content online that they wouldnt
typically share in the instance of a face-to-face interaction.
Tsay-Vogel, M., & Oliver, M. B. (2014). Is Watching Others Self-Disclose Enjoyable? Journal of
Media Psychology, 26(3), 111-124. Retrieved March 12, 2016.

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

This article reports that a great deal of people enjoy viewing television shows in which
the main characters develop relationships and disclose information to one another.
Viewers are drawn to the familiarity presented in these played-out situations and find
many scenarios relatable to their own relationships.
It is interesting how audience engagement increases when real-life scenarios are
presented on screen. Many television programs exhibit the stages included in the social
penetration theory through their characters and narratives. People tend to address
themselves with characters and relate their conflicts to those they experience themselves.

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE 1: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY