Keeping Secrets

The episode explores the psychological costs and benefits of self-concealment and self-disclosure, questioning when it's better to share or hide personal information. Psychologist Leslie John shares research highlighting the surprising prevalence and impact of hidden information, including medical scenarios where patients withhold crucial details from doctors, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. The conversation covers the impact bias, where people overestimate the longevity and intensity of emotional events, leading to regrets about actions not taken, especially regarding self-expression. John also shares a personal story about her mother's health scare, underscoring the importance of expressing love and appreciation to loved ones.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Psychological Conflict

Part 2: Consequences, Interpersonal Impact

Part 3: Costs, Cognitive Biases

Part 4: Trust, Long-term Regret

Part 5: Applications, Final Reflections

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Hidden Brain

Part 1: Introduction, Psychological Conflict

The Dilemma of Disclosure: Navigating the Costs and Benefits of Secrets

Mr. Bean's Steak Tartare: The Absurdity of Concealing Discomfort

Part 2: Consequences, Interpersonal Impact

Jennifer and Donna: The Complicated Consequences of Half-Truths in Relationships

Confronting the Past: A Mother-Daughter Conversation Years Later

The Hidden Harms of "Too Little Information": Medical Concealment

Part 3: Costs, Cognitive Biases

The Physical and Relational Costs of Self-Concealment

The Illusion of Uniqueness: Why We Think Our Secrets Are Singular

Revealing the Unsavory: Surveying Sensitive Behaviors and Disclosures

Part 4: Trust, Long-term Regret

The Paradox of Preference: Why We Prefer Revealers Over Hiders

The Impact Bias and Regret: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Perspectives

Part 5: Applications, Final Reflections

A Christmas Day Scare: The Urgency of Expressing Love

The Power of Self-Disclosure: A Final Reflection

Keeping Secrets

Hidden Brain

Part 1: Introduction, Psychological Conflict

00:02The Dilemma of Disclosure: Navigating the Costs and Benefits of Secrets

The Dilemma of Disclosure: Navigating the Costs and Benefits of Secrets

02:22Mr. Bean's Steak Tartare: The Absurdity of Concealing Discomfort

Mr. Bean's Steak Tartare: The Absurdity of Concealing Discomfort

Part 2: Consequences, Interpersonal Impact

06:37Jennifer and Donna: The Complicated Consequences of Half-Truths in Relationships

Jennifer and Donna: The Complicated Consequences of Half-Truths in Relationships

14:00Confronting the Past: A Mother-Daughter Conversation Years Later

Confronting the Past: A Mother-Daughter Conversation Years Later

16:24The Hidden Harms of "Too Little Information": Medical Concealment

The Hidden Harms of "Too Little Information": Medical Concealment

Part 3: Costs, Cognitive Biases

22:49The Physical and Relational Costs of Self-Concealment

The Physical and Relational Costs of Self-Concealment

27:21The Illusion of Uniqueness: Why We Think Our Secrets Are Singular

The Illusion of Uniqueness: Why We Think Our Secrets Are Singular

30:04Revealing the Unsavory: Surveying Sensitive Behaviors and Disclosures

Revealing the Unsavory: Surveying Sensitive Behaviors and Disclosures

Part 4: Trust, Long-term Regret

35:37The Paradox of Preference: Why We Prefer Revealers Over Hiders

The Paradox of Preference: Why We Prefer Revealers Over Hiders

39:14The Impact Bias and Regret: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Perspectives

The Impact Bias and Regret: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Perspectives

Part 5: Applications, Final Reflections

43:15A Christmas Day Scare: The Urgency of Expressing Love

A Christmas Day Scare: The Urgency of Expressing Love

46:13The Power of Self-Disclosure: A Final Reflection

The Power of Self-Disclosure: A Final Reflection