Self Disclosure - Essay Example

Self disclosure is a major decision on the part of the personal as its sharing is liable to make the person vulnerable. There are different types of situation that may warrant self disclosure of confidential information. According to Fisher, an eminent psychologist, 'Pick someone you can trust. Try to gain enough understanding and objectivity that you can then develop a strategy for further disclosure" (Fisher, 1994). The most important is the sharing of intimate details of one's personal health and family history with the physician or doctors or counselors who need the information to diagnose the medical illness.

Patients afflicted with HIV/AIDS, mental illnesses, substance abuse and other sexual diseases, generally do not prefer to share this information with heir friends and relatives for fear of being treated as social pariahs. The social stigmas attached with the diseases makes people wary of sharing this vital information which is not only dangerous for the person concerned but it also threatens the well being of the people associated with it. It is therefore, important that such people disclose this information with their friends so that both of them can take appropriate precautions while maintaining their relationship.

Another area where self disclosure becomes important is the marriage or part. But it is equally true that self disclosure is not risk proof and may become counter productive and adversely effect the relations. But overall, self disclosure, within the marital relationship, is considered to be a bonding factor and encourages trust building that helps overcome their differences.The advent of internet has redefined the communication and has become one the most powerful tools of information. While easy access to information through internet has been hailed as the most radical process of dissemination of information, the lack of effective control over the same has become a cause of great concern with the increasing cases of variety of cyber crimes.

Identity theft and identity fraud are cyber crimes that have serious repercussions on the society as people's identity and their confidential information is used by the cyber criminal to committed different types of illegal activities. Hence, discretion is self disclosure is advisable.ConclusionOne can therefore conclude that self disclosure that leads to sharing of personal information amongst the friends and acquaintances is not always a straight option and might involve huge adverse ramifications for the person.

The self disclosure of confidential information makes people susceptible to blackmail by vested interests and people must use their discretion and divulge information that is necessary and pertains to the issue in question.ReferenceFisher, D. (1994). A psychiatrist's gradual disclosure. New York State, Office of Mental Health, OMH News, 6(9), 16. Available from: [Accessed 19 February,