AO3

• A limitation is that social penetration theory may be too simplistic. Social penetration theory claims that self-disclosure in relationships is associated with satisfaction. However, when a relationship is breaking down, partners may disclose more often and more deeply to increase their satisfaction in order to try and save the relationship. This challenges social penetration theory because deeper self-disclosure does not lead to a deeper relationship and may in fact contribute to breakdown.
• A limitation is that self-disclosure theory may be culture biased. Tang et al. concluded that people in an individualist culture like the US Self-disclose significantly more sexual thoughts and feelings than people would in a collective fist culture like China. Even though the level of disclosure was lower in China, relationship satisfaction was no different than that in the US. Therefore, social penetration theory is a limited explanation of romantic relationships because it is not generalisable to all cultures.
• A strength is real-world application to improving communication between couples. Hass and Stafford found that 57% of homosexual men and women reported they used open and honest self-disclosure as a relationship maintenance strategy. Couples who limit communication to small talk can be encouraged to increase self-disclosure in order to deepen their own relationships. This highlights the importance of self-disclosure and suggests the theory can be used to support people having relationship problems.
• Sprecher and Hendrick - strong correlations between several measures of satisfaction and self-disclosure in heterosexual couples. ppl who used self-disclosure were more satisfied with and committed to their romantic relationship. supports theory of self-disclosure is valid, that reciprocated self-disclosure is key part of a satisfying romantic relationship.
• Strength counterpoint: However, just because they found strong positive correlations, it does not show that it means causation. It may be that satisfied partners disclose more or both are caused by the time spent together. This suggests that self-disclosure may not cause satisfaction directly, which reduces the validity suggested.