Social Penetration Theory
Irwin Altman & Dalmas Taylor
Interpersonal Communication—Relationship Development
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Theory Overview (7th Edition)
Abstracts appear in Appendix A of the text
Interpersonal closeness proceeds in a gradual and orderly fashion from superficial to intimate levels of exchange as a function of anticipated present and future outcomes. Lasting intimacy requires continual and mutual vulnerability through breadth and depth of self-disclosure. (Socio-psychological tradition)