Consequences of revealing personal secrets

被引:210
作者
Kelly, AE [1 ]
McKillop, KJ [1 ]
机构
[1] WASHINGTON COLL, DEPT PSYCHOL, CHESTERTOWN, MD USA
关键词
D O I
10.1037/0033-2909.120.3.450
中图分类号
B84 [心理学];
学科分类号
04 ; 0402 ;
摘要
In this article, the authors review the theories and empirical findings concerning the consequences of revealing personal secrets (i.e., ones that directly involve the secret keeper). Most of the literature has suggested that revealing personal secrets is advantageous to the secret keeper. However choosing to reveal secrets is a complex decision that can have disturbing consequences, such as being rejected by and alienated from the listener Such rejection may lead the revealer to construct a negative self-image. The authors contend that (a) there are many circumstances when the secret keeper is better off not revealing a personal secret and (b) the real or perceived feedback from the confidant plays a critical role in determining whether the secret keeper will benefit from the revealing. They recommend when one should reveal one's secrets to others.
引用
收藏
页码:450 / 465
页数:16
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