Self-concealment predicts use of secrecy and attitude toward secrecy, not subjective ability to keep secrets.

Abstract

Self-concealment and secrecy, although conceptually distinct, are often conflated or inadequately distinguished in existing literature. In this correlational study, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between self-concealment and three dimensions of secrecy: the use of secrecy, the ability to keep secrets, and attitude toward secrecy. The sample consisted of 220 individuals (76% identified as female), between the ages of 18 to 78 (M = 24.27, SD = 8.88). Participants completed an online survey which included the Self-Concealment Scale (SCS), the Common Secrecy Questionnaire (CSQ) and the newly developed Secrecy Ability Scale (SAB) and Secrecy Attitude Scale (SAT). Data were screened to mitigate both positive and negative response biases. The results revealed that high self-concealers tend to keep more secrets and have a more positive attitude toward secrecy compared to low self-concealers. No significant group difference emerged concerning the subjective ability to keep secrets. Limitations and future implications of the findings are discussed.