weaknesses

• There are objections to the methods used to gather findings

  Most research into self- disclosure is drawn from correlational research (self- disclosure/satisfaction

  This is a problem because it doesn't prove cause and effect preventing us from making predications about behaviour in the future

  There are issues with drawing conclusions about the role of self- disclosure for attraction

  however correlational research does inspire experimental research and allows use to then establish cause
• Self-disclosure may have limited explanatory power

  Tang, 2013 found differences in self-discolsure when comparing china/ less to USA/ more (cultural bias)

  this is a problem because it shows that self-disclosure assumptions are vulnerable to beta bias with cultural differences being minimised. therefore there is no unviersal explanation

  however social desirability bias may reduce the reliability of the findings

  this suggests that self-disclosure is not a universal explination.

  because this is not a universal explination it limits any future funding in this field becausethere is a limit to how much the theory can be applied.
• Self-disclosure can be applied to real life relationships

  Reis and Shaver (1988) Self-disclosure creates trust, emotional closeness, and relationship satisfaction

  This strengthens the validity of Social Penetration Theory by demonstrating that disclosure is a key process in relationship development and maintenance.

  Self-disclosure helps us understand better factors that effecting attraction.

  Has real-world relevance - It helps explain why some relationships fail (e.g., when one person withholds personal information) and can inform couples therapy or relationship counselling. This means the research has high ecological validity and practical application.