Shared secrets versus secrets kept private are linked to better adolescent adjustment

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Development
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Societal norms often view secrecy negatively, contrasting with the perceived benefits of sharing.
• The specific implications of shared secrets, particularly within adolescent interpersonal dynamics, require nuanced investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionally analyze shared secrets in adolescence.
• To determine if shared secrets mitigate negative consequences associated with private secrecy.
• To examine the interpersonal functions and outcomes of shared secrets.

Main Methods:

• A survey study was conducted with 790 Dutch adolescents.
• Data were collected on shared and private secrets and their association with various psychological and interpersonal outcomes.

Main Results:

• Shared secrets were maintained by more adolescents than private secrets.
• Unlike private secrets, shared secrets were not linked to maladjustment.
• Shared secrets were positively associated with interpersonal functioning and competence.
• Private secrecy correlated with delinquency, physical complaints, depressive mood, loneliness, and lower relationship quality.
• Sharing secrets with parents was linked to reduced delinquency; sharing with best friends was linked to less loneliness and greater interpersonal competence.

Conclusions:

• Shared secrets serve distinct and beneficial interpersonal functions in adolescence.
• The findings challenge the blanket negative perception of secrecy, highlighting the positive aspects of shared secrets.
• Interpersonal context matters: sharing with parents or friends yields specific positive outcomes for adolescents.