Honors Projects
Abstract
Loneliness, comprised of perceived social connection and social isolation, can have a severe negative impact on one’s physical and mental health. Understanding its complexities can assist in addressing these harmful consequences. In particular, the aspect of social connection can be understood through the interpersonal model of intimacy which posits that connection forms as a function of reciprocal vulnerable disclosure and perceived responsiveness. Experiential avoidance may complicate the process of the vulnerable disclosure required to develop social connection as sharing emotional information about oneself can result in discomfort that individuals avoid. Despite this theoretical connection, the relationship between experiential avoidance and vulnerable self-disclosure and its subsequent effect on social connection has yet to be explored in an experimental setting. The resulting analysis has both psychological and sociological implications as social connection is imperative to mental wellbeing and effective societal functioning.
Department
Psychology
Major
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Daniel Maitland
First Advisor Department
Psychology
Second Advisor
Dr. Monica Longmore
Second Advisor Department
Sociology
Publication Date
Spring 4-22-2024
Repository Citation
Church, Kaylee, "The Impact of Experiential Avoidance on Vulnerable Disclosure, Perceived Responsiveness, and Social Connection" (2024). Honors Projects. 988.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/honorsprojects/988