Red-faced apologies

Experiments looking at the effects of blushing out of embarrassment match Whitehouse’s study.Although our reddening faces can actually improve how we are perceived by others, like the nervous mannerisms that Whitehouse studied, many people are uncomfortable with their shame being broadcast so openly.

Take a look at a recent study by assistant professor Christopher Thorstenson at the Rochester Institute of Technology in the state of New York.He conducted a series of experiments in which he asked participants to respond to vignettes describing socially awkward situations and photos of embarrassed faces.

For instance, the participants were instructed, “You catch these people telling a lie.Which expression reveals more shame?”likewise, “These individuals apologize for cheating on a test.”Which individual’s apology is sincere?