When the Source of Embarrassment is a Close Other
Author(s): Kendell C. Thornton
Abstract: The present study examined the influence of individual and contextual factors on embarrassment. In this study, males and females currently in heterosexual dating relationships completed a measure of fear of negative evaluation, as well as measures of embarrassability, self-esteem, and a measure of relationship closeness. They then watched a short video in which a man and woman danced at a nightclub. In the video, the same-sex character danced similarly to others on the dance floor, but the different-sex character danced in a potentially embarrassing manner. Participants were instructed to imagine the member of the pair who danced in a potentially embarrassing manner as their current dating partner, while imagining the other person as themselves. Results indicated that, generally, females were more embarrassed than males. Fear of negative evaluation affected males but not females' experience of embarrassment. The theoretical importance of these results is examined in relation to the Relationship Closeness Inventory (Berscheid, Snyder, & Omoto, 1989).
Pages: 189-200
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