Sex differences in patterns of self-disclosure among adolescents: A developmental perspective

The purpose of this study is to explore relationships among sex, target, and aspects of adolescent self-disclosure. An adaptation of the Journal and Lasakow (1958) Self-Disclosure Questionnaire (SDQ) was administered to 97 secondary school volunteers with same-sex friend and opposite-sex friend as specified targets. SDQ scores were obtained for a stratified random sample of 30 Ss matched with volunteers for school, grade, age, and sex. Results indicated no sex differences in total disclosure; Ss disclosed differentially to same-sex and opposite-sex friend. Female same-sex disclosure was greater than male same-sex disclosure. A high disclosure cluster for females was Tastes and Interests and Personality; for males it was Tastes and Interests, Work (Studies), and Attitudes and Opinions. These findings reflect patterns for volunteers and nonvolunteers, suggesting that volunteering was not a factor in obtained outcomes. Sex differences in aspects of disclosure are discussed in terms of sex-role variations in establishment of ego identity.The larger study from which the data under discussion were drawn is entitled Cognitive Self-Modeling, Conventional Group Counselling and Change in Interpersonal Communication Skills. Two co-investigators were involved in the study—J. G. Schachter and W. E. Reitz. In addition, research assistance was provided throughout the study by K. H. Hough. A detailed summary of all demographic data is available upon request from the author.(King's College is affiliated with the University of Western Ontario.) Received Ph.D. from The Institute for Child Study, University of Maryland. Main interests are child development and counseling.