Differences in Engaging in Sexual Disclosure Between Real Life and Cyberspace Among Adolescents: Social Penetration Model Revisited
Submitted on Tuesday, 2 March 2010
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Abstract
To date, relatively few studies have begun to explore adolescents’ sexual self-disclosure in cyberspace. Rare research has
taken a close look at differences in adolescents’ sexual self-disclosure occurring in real life and cyberspace. The social
penetration model suggests that an individual’s level of sexual disclosure should be in accordance with relationship intimacy
in real life. The current study investigated whether the effects of relationship intimacy on adolescents’ willingness to disclose
sexual history differ in terms of sex and communication environment (real life vs. cyberspace). A total of 419 Taiwanese adolescents
completed a survey about their willingness to communicate on different sexual topics in the contexts of varying levels of
relationship intimacy. The results showed that in real life both male and female adolescents showed a parallel relationship
between willingness to engage in sexual disclosure and relationship intimacy, supporting predictions according to the social
penetration model. However, in cyberspace, male adolescents exhibited a greater willingness to communicate, regardless of
degree of relationship intimacy, whereas females revealed a U-shape trend regarding the effect of relationship intimacy on
willingness to communicate. These findings indicate that sexual disclosure on the part of adolescents in cyberspace departs
from the perspective of the social penetration model.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s12144-010-9078-6
- Authors
- Mu-Li Yang, Chang Jung Christian University Department of Communication 396 Chang Jung Rd., Sec.1, Kway Jen Tainan 71101 Taiwan Republic of China
- Chao-Chin Yang, National Kaohsiung Hospitality College Department of Chinese Culinary Arts 1 Sung-Ho Road Kaohsiung 812 Republic of China
- Wen-Bin Chiou, National Sun Yat-Sen University Institute of Education 70 Lien-Hai Rd. Kaohsiung 80424 Taiwan Republic of China
- Journal Current Psychology
- Online ISSN 1936-4733
- Print ISSN 1046-1310
- Journal Volume Volume 29
- Journal Issue Volume 29, Number 2 / June, 2010
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