The concept of self-disclosure plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. It refers to the process of revealing personal information to others, which can create intimacy and trust. Different types of self-disclosure can impact how relationships evolve. Research suggests that higher levels of self-disclosure are often associated with increased feelings of closeness.
Consider the following scenario: Two individuals, Alex and Jamie, have recently met and are starting to build a friendship. Alex shares a personal experience about a challenging time in their life, while Jamie listens intently and reciprocates with a similar story. Based on the principles of self-disclosure, what is the most likely outcome of their interaction?