A third reason Petronio chooses to talk about the disclosure of private information is that the phrase has a neutral connotation, as opposed to self-disclosure , which has a positive feel. The outcome of disclosing private information may turn out well, but as bartenders and hairdressers can attest, it might be unwelcome a real downer. Finally, while the term self-disclosure focuses on the unilateral act of the discloser, Petronio’s preferred description directs
attention to the content of what’s said and how the confidant handles this now not-so-private information. In that sense it’s a more complete communication theory.