PATTERNS OF SELF-DISCLOSURE ACROSS SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS - ELDERLY,MIDDLE-AGED, AND YOUNG-ADULTS

Self-disclosure has generally been examined as a unidimensional constr uct which relates to intimacy in developing relationships. Self-disclo sure also serves many functions in established relationships, such as with close friends and family. Moreover, the functions served by self- disclosure may vary depending upon the adults' gender and stage in the life-span. In this study, such issues are examined with regard to eld erly, middle-aged, and young adults' use of four functions of self-dis closure: self-expression, self-clarification, social control, and soci al validation. Findings support the claim that greater integenerationa l distance is related to less self-disclosure among members of a socia l network. Further, elderly adults self-disclose more often to family than to friends, while young adults self-disclose to friends more ofte n than to family. Implications for self-disclosure within the areas of gender, social support, and social comparison are discussed, and the appropriateness of adults' disclosure patterns within a framework of l ife stages is considered.