We would like to congratulate Paxton Hicks, a second year Master’s student in the FF-TIP Lab, who has officially defended his Master’s thesis! Paxton impressed his committee, with an insightful and engaging presentation on self-disclosure depenetration, earning acceptance with no revision requests.
Paxton introduced us all to the concept of self-disclosure, before discussing the lack of research related to the concept of self-disclosure depenetraion. This theory describes a situation in where someone in a relationship (e.g., friendship, romantic relationship, etc.) slowly begins share less intimate topics with someone, or less topics in general. Paxton explained that this could be problematic in a relationship of any kind, and people may begin to stop liking the individual who stops self-disclosing. Using a vignettes to experimentally assess various self-disclosure situations, Paxton demonstrated tipping point change trajectories.
Not only did multiple lab members show up to watch the presentation, but Paxton’s family, including his little brother, were also present for the thesis defense. We’re so proud of all his hard work and perseverance and can’t wait to see what’s next as he applies to PhD programs. Way to go, Paxton!
More on his website: https://paxtonhicks.wordpress.com/2025/12/11/thesis-defense-presentation/
FF-TIP LAB 