Metaphysics & Psychology
Does apologizing really make us feel better ?
By
T.K. RandallApril 2, 2013 ·
31 comments
Image Credit: sxc.hu
It is often said that apologizing can have a positive emotional effect, but what of the opposite ?
Most people will have been in a situation where they've found it difficult to apologize at some point in their lives. It is often suggested that apologizing to someone can make one feel better, but given how hard it is for most people to do this there would seem to be at least some emotional benefit to not doing so.
In a recent study of 228 people, three researchers discovered that there were significant psychological benefits to not apologizing. "We do find that apologies do make apologizers feel better, but the interesting thing is that refusals to apologize also make people feel better and, in fact, in some cases it makes them feel better than an apology would have," said researcher Tyler G. Okimoto.
To err is human. So is refusing to apologize for those errors. From toddlers and talk show hosts to preteens and presidents, we all know people who have done stupid, silly and evil things, then squared their jaws and told the world they've done nothing wrong.
Source:
NPR |
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