Self-Disclosure: Benefits and Risks
Michaela and Chandra have been good friends for a few years. One afternoon, while they were drinking coffee and talking about their summer plans, Chandra mentioned she might not go on vacation because she couldn't afford it. Michaela responded by saying, "I save money all year so I can go on vacation. I just can't understand people who can't save a little bit each month." Chandra then changed the subject to discuss a mutual friend of theirs. Chandra told Michaela that the friend and her husband were having marital problems and that the husband was thinking about moving out of the house. Then, Michaela told Chandra about her breakup with her boyfriend, and Chandra told Michaela about her current boyfriend. Michaela talked about how hard it had been to break up with Todd, and she said that it was good to be able to talk with someone about it. Chandra listened to Michaela talk and consoled her when she started to cry. Chandra then told Michaela about a bad breakup that she went through as well. After the two discussed this, they decided to meet again next week to talk some more.
Which benefit of self-disclosure was utilized when Chandra consoled Michaela by telling her a story of her own?
(a) rejection
(b) privacy violation
(c) emotional release
(d) assistance to others
(e) obligating others