Motivational differences and similarities between concealment and disclosure processes

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Self-concealment and self-disclosure are often viewed as opposites but share underlying complexities.
• Both concepts involve intricate cognitive and motivational processes influencing personal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss the differences and similarities between self-concealment and self-disclosure.
• To emphasize the role of self-determination theory and basic psychological needs in understanding these processes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on self-concealment and self-disclosure.
• Theoretical discussion focusing on motivational processes and self-determination theory.

Main Results:

• Self-concealment and self-disclosure, despite their apparent opposition, are linked through distinct motivational pathways.
• Self-determination theory provides a framework for analyzing the role of basic psychological needs in both concealment and disclosure.

Conclusions:

• Future research should differentiate between concealment and disclosure regarding basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration.
• Investigating the influence of self-determined versus controlled motivation in secrecy and the potential for cognitively intrusive processes in self-disclosure is warranted.