Self-Disclosure Index

Abstract

The Self-disclosure Index is a brief psychological scale utilized to measure the extent of personal and intimate information an individual has shared with a specific relational partner. This instrument is pivotal for assessing the depth and breadth of self-disclosure, a core component of relational intimacy and trust. The index specifically focuses on sensitive and vulnerable topics, such as personal habits, feelings of guilt, deepest fears, and self-perceptions, providing a quantitative measure of openness.

In the context documented, the scale was employed in a 2007 doctoral dissertation by Tammy Lowery Zacchilli to investigate the intricate relationships between communication patterns, conflict resolution, and overall relationship satisfaction within dating relationships. Scores derived from this index are interpreted as indicators of the participant’s willingness to engage in emotional and personal vulnerability with their partner.

Keywords

Self-disclosure, Intimacy, Psychological scale, Relationship satisfaction, Communication, Dating relationships, Relational variables, Openness.

Authors

L. C. Millers, J. H. Berg, R. L. Archer (Conceptualizers of the underlying measurement concept); Tammy Lowery Zacchilli (Contextual User).

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Self-disclosure Index is to standardize the measurement of how much an individual has communicated specific, often sensitive, aspects of their life to a romantic partner. By evaluating the discussion of topics ranging from public behaviors to private fears, the scale captures the level of interpersonal risk and trust present in the relationship.

The application of this instrument allows researchers to explore hypotheses concerning the positive correlation between high levels of self-disclosure and positive relational outcomes, such as reduced conflict and enhanced satisfaction. It provides empirical data necessary for understanding the mechanisms through which intimate communication contributes to relationship stability and quality.

Construct

The scale measures the psychological construct of Self-disclosure. This construct is defined as the voluntary sharing of factual, personal, or affective information about oneself with another person. The instrument targets the depth of disclosure, ensuring that the topics assessed necessitate a significant degree of vulnerability on the part of the respondent.

The items are designed to assess disclosure across various domains of self, including affective (deepest feelings, fears), evaluative (what one likes and dislikes about oneself), and historical/behavioral (things done which elicit guilt or pride). This focus ensures the index reliably measures genuine intimacy rather than superficial rapport.

Validity

Specific detailed validity data (e.g., construct, convergent, or discriminant validity) for the exact 10-item version presented in the Zacchilli (2007) dissertation is not explicitly provided in the source material. However, the core conceptualization of measuring intimate disclosure is rooted in the foundational work of Millers, Berg, and Archer (1983) concerning factors that elicit openness in social interactions.

The scale demonstrates strong face validity, as the items directly address highly sensitive subjects universally recognized as requiring trust to disclose. Researchers relying on this index typically reference the established psychometric properties of the original or related scales developed within the field of social psychology for evidence of robust validity.

Reliability

Reliability statistics, such as measures of internal consistency (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) or temporal stability (test-retest reliability), are not reported in the available source content detailing the scale’s use in the 2007 study. Given that psychological scales must demonstrate high reliability to ensure consistent measurement, users are advised to consult the primary research literature from which this index was derived.

The instrument is generally assumed to possess adequate internal consistency, reflecting that all 10 items consistently measure the singular construct of self-disclosure within a romantic context.

Factor Analysis

The source documentation does not include results from a factor analysis specifically conducted on the Self-disclosure Index. Due to the homogeneity of the items, which all revolve around levels of personal sharing, the scale is likely unidimensional, meaning that all items contribute to a single underlying factor of general disclosure.

If factor analysis were performed, it would confirm whether the measure captures a single construct or if sub-factors, such as disclosure of positive self-aspects versus disclosure of negative or shameful self-aspects, emerge. Standard practice involves treating the scale as a single factor for calculating a total disclosure score.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire / Psychological scale

Format: 5-point Likert scale response format.

Language Available: English.

Population Group: Individuals currently involved in a romantic or dating relationship.

Age Group: Typically utilized with adult populations, most frequently college students and young adults engaged in dating.

Population Details: Used effectively in studies focusing on interpersonal dynamics, relationship quality, and communication in contexts such as university research settings (e.g., the sample utilized at Texas Tech University).

Test Methodology: Participants are instructed to rate how accurately each statement reflects the extent to which they have discussed the subject matter with their current love partner, using the provided agreement scale.

Keywords

Intimate communication, Relational health, Openness, Experimental psychology, Relationship assessment, Affective disclosure, Romantic relationships, Vulnerability.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not available in source material.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not available in source material.

Correspondence Address: Not available in source material.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

As the scale is commonly utilized in academic and social psychological research, users should consult the primary authors, L. C. Millers, J. H. Berg, and R. L. Archer (1983), regarding permissions for commercial or clinical use. Academic research typically falls under fair use guidelines, but formal permissions may be required depending on the scope of the study.

Test Year: 1983 (Conceptual Origin) / 2007 (Documented Application).

Reference’s

Millers, L. C., Berg, J. H., & Archer, R. L. (1983). Openers: Individuals who elicit intimate self-disclosure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44, 1234-1244.

Zacchilli, T. L. (2007). The Relationship Between Conflict and Communication, Sex, Relationship Satisfaction, and other Relational Variables in Dating Relationships. A Dissertation in EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY. Texas Tech University.

The original PDF of the dissertation containing this instrument can be downloaded here: http://repositories.tdl.org/ttu-ir/bitstream/handle/2346/9978/Zacchilli_Tammy_Diss.pdf?sequence=1

Items of the Self-disclosure Index

Response Format:

• A = Strongly agree with the statement
• B = Moderately agree with the statement
• C = Neutral- neither agree or disagree
• D = Moderately disagree with the statement
• E = Strongly disagree with the statement

Instructions: I HAVE TALKED ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS TO A LOVE PARTNER

1. My personal habits.
2. Things I have done which I feel guilty about.
3. Things I wouldn’t do in public.
4. My deepest feelings.
5. What I like and dislike about myself.
6. What is important to me in life.
7. What makes me the person I am.
8. My worst fears.
9. Things I have done which I am proud of.
10. My close relationships with other people.