DISCLOSURE DECISION MODEL: ANALYSIS OF CONFLICT AND ATTACHMENT ORIENTATION IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine predictors of a disclosure target using a portion of Julia Omarzu’s (2000) Disclosure Decision Model (DDM). The study seeks to predict disclosure target choice using situational differences, adult attachment styles, and goals for disclosure. More specifically, the goal of the current study is to predict if individuals who initiate a conflict issue will disclose to their relational partner or to a third party when issues arise. Data were collected from 146 individuals through convenience sampling. Findings indicated that each phase of the DDM affects the following stage; the unique context of an individual relationship as well as an individual’s attachment style affect the salience of disclosure goals which in turn affects an individual’s choice in disclosure target during conflict. The study found that highly anxious and highly avoidant individuals rate conflict as more severe, are less satisfied with their relationships, and perceive less closeness with their romantic partner. In relation to goals and target choice, findings showed that identity clarification, intimacy, and relief of distress predict target choice while social approval and social control do not. This study contributes to understanding what situational cues and individual differences affect disclosure and tests a portion of the DDM in a relational conflict context.