Self-disclosure in male same-sex friendships

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference existed between a sample of fraternity residents and a sample of dormitory residents in the level of self-disclosure present in their same-sex friendships. Of additional import was whether or not self-disclosure, directed toward different target persons, varied according to the age of the discloser, the identity of the target person, and the reported closeness of the discloser to his father. A modified version of Sidney M. Jourard's Self-Disclosure Questionnaire was utilized to measure present levels of self-disclosure. Findings indicated there was a significant difference in self-disclosure with same-sex friends between the sample of fraternity residents and the sample of dormitory residents. Moreover, significant differences were found in the mean level of self-disclosure as it related to the identity of the target person, and to the reported closeness of the discloser to his father.