Perspective Taking and Self Disclosure

• Main Author: Allen, Bruce W. (Bruce Wayne), 1958-
• Other Authors: Doster, Joseph A., 1943-
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1988
• Subjects: parameters of task involvement; ego strength; college students; Self-disclosure.; Role playing.; Self.; Ego strength.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc500482/

The effects of taking a third person role on self disclosure, self sympatheticness and several nonverbal parameters of task involvement were examined in a psychotherapy analogue study. Subjects were classified as high or low in ego strength using previously established norms for college students. In the third person role subjects were instructed to describe themselves from the perspective of an "intimate and sympathetic best friend." An encouragement to talk format was used to facilitate self description from the first person. Support was not found for the hypotheses that altering the perspective used in self description would increase self disclosure and that high ego strength subjects would be better able to use a perspective taking intervention. Theoretical and methodological issues are discussed. Recommendations for future research are made.