The Transparent Self; Self-disclosure and Well-being

by Sidney M. Jourard

A choice which confronts every one of us at every moment is this: Shall we permit our fellow men to know us as we now are, or shall we seek instead to remain an enigma, an uncertain quantity , wishing to be seen as something we are not? Throughout history man has chosen the road of concealment rather than "openness." Professor Jourard maintains that this method all too often results in sickness, misunderstanding and alienation of self. He seeks to provide, by means of this book, some stimulation for investigators of human motivation to seek better ways of measuring human spirit or levels of "inspiration" by bringing these phenomena within the scope of scientific analysis and thereby fostering further research into this important area.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Relationships, Philosophy, Communication, Self Help

195 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Jernelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authenticity is outlined not as just a value we should strive toward, but instead synonymous with good health. He described how disclosing ones true thoughts and feelings, or phenomenal experience, is how one gets to know ones true self, which is crucial to mental and physical well-being. This book was written in the 1960's, when psychotherapy was sharply on the rise, and theorizes this is because man has become increasingly alienated from his own self.

He described the placebo affect not as just for affecting naive, impressionable or 'not really ill' people, but instead as faith-based healing, which is needed to have effective treatment of any kind.

He goes into some detail, a few chapters, how mental and medical professionals would be more effective in their work if they were authentic to themselves, thus allowing their patients to do the same. Physiological data is as important as psychological data too, he says, and should be recorded on medical sheets just like heart rate and other standard check-up criteria.

I like the focus on the individual and authenticity is how to avoid illness. Striving to fit social norms and expectations creates a self-alienated man, who doesn't even know his own self, emotions, and is frequently the victim of anxiety, stress, boredom and depression. And that being true to ones one self, by acting in accordance to your own desires and emotions, will foster an environment resistant to germs and disease.

His social theories I really enjoyed since they appeal to my rebellious and independent nature. He says that striving for "normality" or to fit a social role is detrimental to self and striving to fit perceived standards will not allow a person to maximize their potential for self-actualization.

[Amelia O’Halloran · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my fav non-fictions!! Really fascinating for anyone to read, even if you’re not studying disclosure/psychology-related topics. Lots of personal anecdotes and succinct analyses of human connection. Hard for me to highly recommend a non-fiction but with this one, I really do!!!

[Mark Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous shared experience and encouragement by one of psychotherapy's shining lights.

Get Real. Be Authentic. Be Courageous. Make contact and empathize. Trust and disclose yourself and invite others to do the same.

Thanks to Angie T. for the recommendation.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive considering this was written in 60s. He had covered a good deal on different things and I agreed with some things he said. This is strongly from his perspective; which is a man's view -- which is good. He further discussed on how 'masculinity' is killing us (the men). He also covered sex, love, relationships; and mainly, being honest with yourself before doing that with others. We may already know this but I enjoy how he writes on this subject.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't remember a thing about what this book is about. Self help?

[Sam Niedzwiecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

DENSE book. i read this book in multiple small chunks because i needed my mind to be so clear and grounded to digest this book. the vast majority of this book is set from the male perspective in regards to the male experience

that said, this book changed my perspective on how i present myself to the world. he discusses really interesting aspects of the relationship formed between the therapist and client. i appreciated his discussion on how to BE a therapist.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Add some interesting motives and thoughts to ponder but read like a podcast, this guy just sharing his thoughts so without research and merely reflections of his time period and stereotypes. Don’t rly say I would recommend, the same thing he did has been done better and I’ll keep looking

[Yinzadi]

Read online here.

[Adam Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. Old but I don’t think dated.

[Alfredo J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

این کتاب به فارسی ترجمه شده و نشر ارجمند منتشر کرده. کتاب نسبتا خوبی هستش تا تنوع موضوعات زیاد

[Rock Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a transformative work on how self-disclosure improves interpersonal relations, particularly in the psychotherapist-client and nurse-patient relationships. It was required reading for a college class, & now I have reread it in retirement after a career in respiratory therapy. I contend it should be required reading for those preparing for the helping professions, most branches of medicine, allied healthcare, law enforcement, and legal professions. I recommend it for everyone in or aspiring to be in healthy long-term relationships.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!