Self-disclosure in intimate relationships: Moderating role of online moral foundations

Abstract

Empirical studies in western and non-western cultures support the link between self-disclosure and intimacy. However, certain factors may either strengthen or weaken the relationship between online self-disclosure and intimacy. Due to the pervasive nature of information and communication technology (ICT) and the social media, the present study examined whether online moral foundations can moderate such an established association in an undergraduate student sample in Nigeria. Four hundred and ten undergraduate students (45% males and 55% females) participated in the study. They completed the following self-report behavioural questionnaire measures: Online Self-Disclosure Questionnaire, Online Moral Foundations Questionnaire, and a modified form of FAP Intimacy Scale. Data was analyzed using Hayes’ regression-based PROCESS module for moderation analysis. Result showed that self-disclosure was positively associated with intimacy but the relationship of online moral foundations and intimacy was not significant. Online moral foundations significantly moderated the relationship between online self-disclosure and intimacy such that high self-disclosure was associated with greater intimacy for students who reported low and moderate levels of online moral foundations, but not for students with high online moral foundations. Findings highlight the need to make young people develop a balanced and holistic understanding of morality in order to effectively function in their interpersonal relationships.