Communication is a factor in a relationship that cannot be ignored. Communication can either make or break a relationship. In other words, having good communication can enhance and make intimate relationships more satisfying. On the other hand, poor communication can separate and make the relationship miserable. Therefore, communication is essential in enabling two individuals to reveal, inform, and grow in an intimate relationship. Without this kind of communication, conflict and dissolution will surely result. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to improve communication skills between couples. However, these studies indicate that men and women have difficulty communicating with each other. There seems to be a gender-gap that prevents men and women from "getting through" to one another. Thus, gender differences regarding communication, in terms of self-disclosure, will be discussed. In addition, cultural stereotypes and paren tal socialization will also be discussed as reasons why such communicational gender differences exist.
Self-disclosure is one of the most studied gender differences in communication. Many studies show that females disclose more than males. In one study, written self-description was used to see the difference of self-disclosure between the opposite sex. The study concluded that "females did not use more words to de scribe themselves than males, but they disclosed more intimate information about themselves than males" (Cozby, 1973, p. 76). Therefore, females may tend to disclose information about them selves that are personal and sentimental. Males, on the other hand, seem to be apprehensive in revealing their personal or sentimental feelings. For instance, one study, conducted by Burke et al. (1976) was designed to see how likely married couples would disclose to their spouses if problems arose, and their reasons for not disclosing. One hundred eighty-nine husband and wife pairs, who ...