Relation Analysis of When Harry Met Sally
The Social Penetration Theory
As established from empirical studies, relationships do not just become; they rather developed through stages before they mature. According to the social penetration theory, interpersonal communications in the early stages are relatively shallow and somehow restrictive. As relationships grow, relations grow to get deeper and intimate (Carpenter & Greene, 2016). For instance, in the film When Harry Met Sally, the various stages of the social penetration theory become apparent. In the film, while Sally and Harry initially disliked each other after accidentally meeting after a long term, through self-discloser the two become friends. As seen from the experiences of the two characters, every time either expresses themselves, there is an increase in the level of trust as both keep improving the impression one holds for the other.
For example, while Harry initially argues that men can be friends with women, in …show more content…
Before the character meet and bond, the audience is introduced to the negative accounts of both Harry and Sally in their past relationships. The characters’ experience therefore reflects the reasoning of the social exchange theory as the characters know each other and perceive more benefits in their current relationships that those they were previously in. References
Carpenter, A., & Greene, K. (2016). Social Penetration Theory. The International Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Communication.
Cropanzano, R., Anthony, E., Daniels, S., & Hall, A. (2016). Social Exchange Theory: A Critical Review With Theoretical Remedies. Academy of Management Annals, annals-2015.
Knobloch, L. K. (2008). Uncertainty reduction theory. John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Reiner, R., Scheinman, A., Stolt, J., & Nicolaides, S. (1989). When Harry Met Sally [Film]. New Line Home Video, Los Angeles.
The Social Penetration Theory
As established from empirical studies, relationships do not just become; they rather developed through stages before they mature. According to the social penetration theory, interpersonal communications in the early stages are relatively shallow and somehow restrictive. As relationships grow, relations grow to get deeper and intimate (Carpenter & Greene, 2016). For instance, in the film When Harry Met Sally, the various stages of the social penetration theory become apparent. In the film, while Sally and Harry initially disliked each other after accidentally meeting after a long term, through self-discloser the two become friends. As seen from the experiences of the two characters, every time either expresses themselves, there is an increase in the level of trust as both keep improving the impression one holds for the other.
For example, while Harry initially argues that men can be friends with women, in …show more content…
Before the character meet and bond, the audience is introduced to the negative accounts of both Harry and Sally in their past relationships. The characters’ experience therefore reflects the reasoning of the social exchange theory as the characters know each other and perceive more benefits in their current relationships that those they were previously in. References
Carpenter, A., & Greene, K. (2016). Social Penetration Theory. The International Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Communication.
Cropanzano, R., Anthony, E., Daniels, S., & Hall, A. (2016). Social Exchange Theory: A Critical Review With Theoretical Remedies. Academy of Management Annals, annals-2015.
Knobloch, L. K. (2008). Uncertainty reduction theory. John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Reiner, R., Scheinman, A., Stolt, J., & Nicolaides, S. (1989). When Harry Met Sally [Film]. New Line Home Video, Los Angeles.