The Positive Energy of Keeping Good Secrets

A study conducted by Professor Michael Slepian of Columbia University suggests that keeping positive secrets can be energizing for individuals. The research, involving approximately 4,000 participants in five experiments, found that people felt more in control and excited about positive secrets, even when they didn't intend to reveal them. Previous studies on secrecy had focused on negative secrets and their impact on well-being, but this research highlights the positive effects of keeping secrets. Slepian's findings indicate that positive secret-keeping is motivated by intrinsic reasons and the anticipation of eventual revelation.