Can we talk?: Gender differences in disclosure patterns and expectations

Abstract

A review of the literature on communication in relationships suggested that while the differences may be small, women disclose more than men. Recent research suggests that these differences may have been overestimated and may be changing as women’s' roles change. Data forth is studies were collected from a total of 360 undergraduates at two universities to assess gender differences in disclosure patterns and expectations of disclosure. Women were significantly more likely to disclose and to expect their partner to disclose more than men. The authors suggest that sex role socialization is still operative in relationship disclosure differences and expectations.