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Short Term Effects of Gossip Behavior on Self-Esteem

Cole, Jennifer; Scrivener , Hannah

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Authors

Hannah Scrivener



Abstract

Gossip is a frequent social activity, yet there is little research on the experience of providing gossip and how it impacts upon well-being of the gossiper. The present research aimed to investigate the effect of gossip behavior on the self-esteem of the gossiper. In Study 1, 140 participants were asked to write either a positive or negative description of a target person. Self-esteem was significantly reduced after providing a negative description but there was no effect of providing a positive one. In Study 2, 112 participants were asked to share information about someone they knew. Self-esteem decreased significantly regardless of the valence of the information. This research suggests that the act of gossiping is one which leads to self-criticism regardless of valence.

Acceptance Date Aug 10, 2013
Publication Date Sep 1, 2013
Journal Current Psychology
Print ISSN 1046-1310
Publisher Springer Verlag
Pages 252 - 260
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-013-9176-3
Publisher URL https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-013-9176-3

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