{"id":12783,"date":"2022-08-01T10:55:32","date_gmt":"2022-08-01T08:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/?p=12783"},"modified":"2022-08-01T10:53:50","modified_gmt":"2022-08-01T08:53:50","slug":"the-secret-life-of-secrets-by-michael-slepian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/the-secret-life-of-secrets-by-michael-slepian\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Keeping Secrets Enhance Our Well-Being? Find out in “The Secret Life of Secrets”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everybody has secrets. Think of a secret that you\u2019re keeping from others. It shouldn\u2019t take long; behavioral scientist Michael Slepian finds that, on average, we are keeping as many as thirteen secrets at any given time. His research involving more than 50,000 participants from around the world shows that the most common secrets include lies we\u2019ve told, ambitions, addictions, mental health challenges, hidden relationships, and financial struggles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Our secrets can weigh heavily upon us<\/h2>\n

Our secrets can cause us shame and anxiety and lead us to act in ways that are harmful to ourselves and others<\/strong>. In The Secret Life of Secrets<\/em>\u00a0Slepian tackles the science behind secrets\u2014why we have them, how they affect us, and what we can do about them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Slepian begins by defining secrets\u2014something that is hidden from others because it\u2019s embarrassing, painful, or both\u2014and distinguishing them from privacy (something we intentionally keep to ourselves) and lies (a deliberate attempt to deceive). He then reviews the scientific literature on secrets, finding that they are linked with poorer physical and mental health<\/strong>, as well as worse work performance and relationships.<\/p>\n

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In The Secret Life of Secrets\u00a0Slepian tackles the science behind secrets\u2014why we have them, how they affect us, and what we can do about them.<\/p><\/div>\n

Slepian\u2019s own research has focused on how secrets affect us on a day-to-day basis. In one study, he found that people who were keeping a secret felt more tired at the end of the day<\/strong> than those who were not keeping a secret. In another study, he found that people who were keeping a secret ate more unhealthy snacks than those who were not keeping a secret.<\/p>\n

Secrets have a ripple effect<\/h2>\n

Secrets can also have a ripple effect, impacting not just the person who is keeping the secret but also the people around them. In one study, Slepian and his colleagues found that when people were keeping a secret, they were more likely to judge other people harshly and to be less helpful to others.<\/p>\n

The impact of secrets is not always negative, however. In some cases, secrets can actually be helpful. For example, Slepian has found that people who keep their weight loss a secret are more likely to be successful in losing weight and keeping it off. The Secret Life of Secrets<\/em> is a fascinating and timely book that will change the way you think about secrets<\/strong>. It\u2019s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the science behind secrets and how they can impact our lives.<\/p>\n

Filled with fresh insight into one of the most universal\u2014yet least understood\u2014aspects of human behavior,\u00a0The Secret Life of Secrets<\/em>\u00a0sheds a fascinating new light on questions like: At what age do children develop the cognitive capacity for secrecy? Do all secrets come with the same mental load<\/strong>? How can we reconcile our secrets with our human desires to relate, connect, and be known? When should we confess our secrets? Who makes for the ideal confidant? And can keeping certain types of secrets actually enhance our well-being<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Why should you read it?<\/h2>\n

We all keep secrets, but it turns out that our intuitions of what to do with them are often wrong<\/strong>.\u00a0The Secret Life of Secrets<\/em> sheds light on why we conceal, and the power of confessing, confiding and letting go.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n