Embarrassment may actually be a key to personal growth and happiness
09.29.11
While some people may not be proud of the fact that they blush and feel embarrassed easily, research reveals that this may actually be a virtuous trait. In a series of trials, scientists from the University of California (UC), Berkeley, found that people tend to view others who show signs of embarrassment as being more trustworthy and generous.
Often, on journeys toward personal growth and development, people run into situations that make them get a little red in the face. For instance, they may mean well when they ask a woman when she is expecting her child, but then find out that the lady is merely overweight. While this is not a desirable situation to be in, showing regret or embarrassment over the mistake may prove to others that they are a conscientious, humble individual.
"Embarrassment is one emotional signature of a person to whom you can entrust valuable resources. It's part of the social glue that fosters trust and cooperation in everyday life," said UC Berkeley social psychologist and co-author Robb Willer.
Authors of the study were careful to distinguish between embarrassment – signaled by blushing, looking away and partially covering the face – and shame, which is a negative emotion that may indicate low self-esteem.
The researchers said that study participants who viewed individuals who reacted to certain social situations with embarrassment tended to want to affiliate with them more than with people who react to similar instances with pride or arrogance.
This suggests that individuals embarking on a personal growth plan should learn from embarrassing situations, as these can give them the opportunity to display personality traits that attract people.
People who looked at this item also looked at…
Related items
Tags: Personal growth, personal growth and development, personal growth plan
