The relationship between self-concealment and disclosure, early experiences, attachement, and social comparison.

Abstract

Talking therapies rely on the client being able to reveal their inner feelings and thoughts; however, some people find this type of disclosure very difficult. Given the potential therapeutic disruptive effects of problems in self-disclosure and selfconcealment, this study set out to explore the associations between self-concealment, self-disclosure, early life experiences, attachment style, social comparison, and psychopathology in 92 students. Results show that self-concealment and fear of self-disclosure are related to negative social comparison (feeling inferior), depression, and anxiety. Fear of disclosure is more strongly related to depression, anxiety, and stress than self-concealment. Mediator analysis revealed recalling having to act submissively in childhood is associated with insecure adult attachment and this in turn predicts fear of disclosure. A second mediator analysis revealed that insecure adult attachment is associated with fear of disclosure and this in turn predicts depression.