People who tend to bottle up their emotions often fear to be rejected. A new study proves otherwise saying society doesn't find those who don't show their true feelings likable.
Huffington Post reports University of Oregon researchers Allison M. Tackman and Sanjay Srivastava conducted a study on how people react to those who suppress their feelings. Results show that hiding your emotions apparently isn't a pleasant thing.
For the study, four actors were asked to either suppress or express their emotions while they were watching Meg Ryan's popular orgasm scene from the romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally, and a heart-wrenching scene from a 1979 drama, Champ.
149 undergraduates viewed the actors' reactions as they watch the films, and those who suppressed their feelings weren't viewed favourably.
According to authors, "people who suppress their emotions, especially amusement and especially when the normative response is to show it, are perceived less extraverted, less agreeable, and more insecure toward relationships."
"Further, the negative personality trait judgments that perceivers form of suppressors help to explain why suppressors experience difficulty forming close and meaningful relationships."
In a world where people consider vulnerability as a weakness, it has been a common behaviour for some to conceal their soft side. Psychotherapist and the brain behind 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do previously wrote in a Huffington Post blog that "being aware of your emotions and making a conscious decision to share those emotions with others -- when it's socially appropriate to do so -- can be a sign of strength."
People who laugh often, in fact, are generally viewed as positive people.
As written by The Happiness Project author Gretchen Rubin in a HuffPost blog entitled Want New Friends? 8 Ways To Make Yourself More Likable, "showing vulnerability and a sense of humor make you more likable and approachable."
