Final answer:
An inability to self-disclose is a cause of communication problems in relationships, hindering the necessary openness for building deeper connections and upsetting the balance of reciprocity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes of Communication Problems in Relationships
Among the options provided, inability to self-disclose is a well-known cause of communication problems in relationships. Self-disclosure involves the sharing of personal information, which is essential for fostering intimate connections and is seen as a fundamental aspect of a healthy relationship. Without it, individuals might struggle to develop a deeper understanding of each other, leading to potential problems in the relationship. Unlike understanding, satisfaction, or love, which typically enhance communication, an inability to self-disclose hampers openness and creates barriers.
Communication problems can also arise from a lack of reciprocity in a relationship, which refers to the expected give-and-take dynamic that helps maintain relationship balance. Moreover, the triangular theory of love, proposed by Sternberg, suggests that a lack of any one of the components of love—intimacy, passion, and commitment—can affect the communication and overall health of a relationship.