Title
Not Stranger or Friend: The Role of Self-Disclosure in Personal-Service Provider Relationships
Date of Award
Summer 2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Turner, Lynn H.
Second Advisor
Sturgal, Tracey
Third Advisor
Chattopadhyay, Sumana
Abstract
The process of self-disclosure was examined through a type of relationship that has not been studied significantly in previous research, the personal-service provider and client relationship. Most research regarding self-disclosure has looked at either close, intimate relationships or that of strangers. Self-disclosure between people who are not members of the groups mentioned above requires further research to fully understand how often it occurs, why it happens, what type of information is shared and more. Eight semi-structured qualitative interviews with hairstylists who have been working for two years or more and have built relationships with clients were conducted to answer the questions surrounding the self-disclosure occurring in this type of relationship. The rules that govern this specific interaction don't follow the same norms that govern most self-disclosure interactions. In addition, personal-service providers reported additional pressures involved with receiving these disclosures from clients.