Self-disclosure refers to revealing personal information about oneself to others. There are several factors that influence a person's willingness to self-disclose, including personality, culture, gender, the audience, and topic of discussion. While self-disclosure can have benefits like self-knowledge and stronger relationships, there are also risks such as rejection, loss of confidence, or sensitive information being used against the person. Guidelines for effective self-disclosure include considering one's motivations, whether the context is appropriate, any burdens disclosure may cause, and allowing others to reciprocate.