Explain the model of social penetration in terms of how a couple would initiate and deepen a

relationship.

What will be an ideal response?

The social penetration model deals with breadth which is the amount of information
discussed and depth which is the level of intimacy of the information disclosed. The
social penetration model is represented by concentric circles. The circumference of the
circle represents the breadth and the depth is represented by how deep the wedge goes
into the circle. When people meet they probably discuss only a few topics very
superficially such as exchanging names and places where they are from. As the
relationship progresses, breadth will increase as well as depth. Eventually
conversations will turn from hobbies and sports to more core issues such as values,
importance of family, etc. Self-disclosure allows the one person to penetrate the layers
of the other person, so that he/she can know the other person on a more intimate level.