ABSTRACT
These examples are from a recent study that asked family members to identify secrets that they were keeping from others in their family (T. D. Afifi, Olson, & Armstrong, 2005). Such secrets exemplify the dark side of secrets that is prominently depicted in the media and in research literature. Secrets are often overtly deceptive (e.g., when a father lies about being in Vietnam), they can indicate problems in relationships (e.g., when the secret involves an extramarital affair), and they can even threaten individuals’ personal health (e.g., when a family colludes to hide the father’s alcoholism). Given the potential for extremely negative outcomes associated with keeping secrets, it is not surprising that popular culture and scholarly writing typically focus on the benefits of open communication and the dangers of avoiding such openness (Parks, 1982). In fact, the popular culture and much scholarly writing are influenced by an ideology of openness, in which intimate disclosures are seen as the core of good communication (Parks, 1982).
