S O C I A L

PENETRATION
T H E O R Y

ANDREI LUIS R. DALERE

BA COMM - 1A
TABLE OF CONTENT
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

OBJECTIVES SPT MODEL

INTRODUCTION 5 MAIN STAGES OF SPT

O B J E C T I V E S
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

The students are able to understand the

Social Penetration Theory

The students are able to apply the theory in

their every day lives

The students are able to identify the stage of

their relationship with someone.
INTRODUCTION
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

The Social Penetration Theory was initially created by

Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor. The theory deals with
the ways in which relationships develop and progress.
It explains how communication enriches the
relationship of two or more individuals.
S P T M O D E L
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

There are 5 main stages of the social penetration model as

conceived by Altman and Taylor. These are the orientation stage,
the exploratory stage, the affective stage, the stable stage, and
the depenetration stage. The depenetration stage occurs when
one leaves a relationship.
5 MAIN STAGES OF SPT
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

Orientation Stage - of the social penetration model is

characterized by an unstable initial relationship. This is the
beginning of a relationship between two people, and
virtually no trust has been established.
5 MAIN STAGES OF SPT
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

Exploratory Stage - In the second stage of the relationship

process, known as the exploratory stage, people tend to
divulge more personal information, the shallowness of
conversations begins to subside, and people open up to
becoming more casual with one another.
5 MAIN STAGES OF SPT
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

Affective Stage - During the affective stage of

communication, there is a more relaxed atmosphere
where people feel comfortable enough to share more
personal information. There is also an atmosphere of
openness and familiarity.
5 MAIN STAGES OF SPT
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

Stable Stage - The stable stage tends to be

conversations regarding private or sensitive topics. It is
often truthful, and candid, and both people do not hold
back emotions or opinions that they might have.
5 MAIN STAGES OF SPT
S O C I A L P E N E T R A T I O N T H E O R Y

Depenetration Stage - In some scenarios, social

separation, or social depenetration stage, can take
place. This can be a result of an argument, or another
event. The outcome is that the depth of the
relationship gradually, or in some cases, suddenly
changes.
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