New research reveals that withholding positive news might actually be beneficial for people, contrary to the common belief that secret-keeping is detrimental to mental health. The American Psychological Association highlights recent research indicating that delaying the revelation of positive news can result in a heightened sense of energy and vitality.
Dr. Michael Slepian, the lead author of the study and an associate professor of business at Columbia, challenges the long-held notion that secrecy is universally harmful to well-being. He questions whether the negative effects of secrecy are primarily associated with concealing adverse information rather than positive news.
Published in the APA’s Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the ongoing study delves into the overall advantages of keeping secrets. While the researchers are still analyzing the complete data, preliminary findings suggest a compelling case for the positive impact of withholding good news.
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In one part of the survey, participants were asked to envision a scenario where they discover positive news, such as a desired pregnancy or job promotion, but are unable to share it immediately with their partner. Those who kept the positive news a secret reported feelings of increased energy and excitement. Notably, participants intentionally keeping the news as a surprise expressed the highest level of enthusiasm.
The researchers propose that the joy derived from keeping positive secrets is rooted in personal desires and internal motivations, rather than external pressures. According to Dr. Slepian, orchestrating the revelation of positive secrets adds an extra layer of enjoyment. The anticipation of the joyful surprise in the recipient’s reaction over an extended period allows individuals to savor the excitement in their own minds.
Contrary to the idea that secrecy is inherently detrimental, the study suggests that keeping positive news to oneself for a brief period may enhance the overall experience. The researchers encourage individuals to experiment with delaying the sharing of good news, proposing that the surprising benefits may defy conventional expectations.
