Expressing embarrassment (or not): Which effects on produced impression on others and on attributed social value? - 09/02/20

Doi : 10.1016/j.erap.2020.100525

H. Maire ^a,^⁎ , M.-F. Agnoletti ^b
^a Laboratoire Lorrain de psychologie et neurosciences de la dynamique des comportements (2LPN, EA 7489), université de Lorraine, 23, boulevard Albert Ier, 54000 Nancy, France
^b Laboratoire psychologie ergonomique et sociale pour l’expérience utilisateur (PErSEUs, EA 7312), université de Lorraine, Île du Saulcy, BP 60228, 57045 Metz cedex 01, France

^⁎Corresponding author.

En prensa. Pruebas corregidas por el autor. Disponible en línea desde el Sunday 09 February 2020
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Abstract

Introduction

Embarrassment is a negative but prosocial emotion, which often arises from the transgression of a social norm. Its expression thus plays a crucial role in the social perception.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to document this role during both ordinary and extra-ordinary situations (i.e., with stakes).

Method

Using scenarios’ method, 27 participants and 100 recruiters evaluated persons expressing embarrassment or not.

Results

Study 1 showed that during ordinary situations, nonverbal expression of embarrassment led to make a good impression by signalling desire of appeasement and prosociality. In contrast, Study 2 revealed that during a job interview, verbal expression of embarrassment through defensive tactics was rather negatively perceived.