THE EXPERIENCE AND SYMPTOMS OF BLUSHING AS A FUNCTION OF AGE AND REPORTED FREQUENCY OF BLUSHING

Sixty-five self-identified frequent and infrequent blushers in four age groups (ages 13 to 55) were interviewed regarding their typical experience of blushing, physiological correlates of blushing, age-related changes in blushing, and the social context of blushing. Both groups experienced blushing as varying in intensity, duration, latency, and the extent to which it is accompanied by other physical symptoms. Reported frequency of blushing was negatively correlated with age (r=-.49, p<.0001). While 64% of the subjects age 25 and younger reported blushing more than once a week (and 36% blush daily), only 28% of those over 25 reported blushing more than once a week. © 1990 Human Sciences Press, Inc.