Social Penetration Theory

Even though I wasn't in class when we discussed the Social Penetration Theory, when I started to study it and break it down, it made sense pretty quickly. The Social Penetration Theory explains how we develop "closeness" in our relationships, whether they are romantic or just friendships. The theory says that self-disclosure is the primary way to develop close relationships. I think this theory holds true because I have also learned that self-disclosure will increase how close you are with someone in my Interpersonal Communication course. Also, it reminds me of my freshman year at Malone College. When I got to Malone, I didn't know anyone. However, I had joined something called "The Cluster" which was a group of students who all had the same classes and met regularly outside of class for different activities. At first, those of us in The Cluster weren't close at all. However, the more we shared with each other inside and outside the classroom, the more we "self-disclosed", the closer we became. When I told the girls in my cluster group about how much I was struggling with my roommate, they were able to help me with some issues. Some of those girls are my best friends today. I definitely think the Social Penetration Theory holds true.