Revealing secrets

Abstract

We all keep secrets, and often to the detriment of our well-being. But what happens when we reveal a secret? This review integrates research on revealing secrets, from the perspective of both the revealer and the confidant. First, revealing secrets must be differentiated from other forms of social disclosure. Second, the decision of whether to share a secret is complex, and the benefits depend on the extent to which sharing elicits social support and insight. On the other side of the revelation, recent research demonstrates antecedents (e.g., certain personality traits) and outcomes (e.g., increased relational closeness) of being a confidant. Occasionally, people reveal others' secrets, the likelihood of which depends on factors such as the perceived immorality of the secret. While many open questions remain when it comes to revealing secrets, we highlight a growing understanding of the processes of secret sharing, both for those who confide and those who are confided in.