Coping with Embarrassing Predicaments: Remedial Strategies and Their Perceived Utility

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Abstract
Two studies into the use and perceived utility of remedial strategies for coping with embarrassing predicaments are reported. In both studies, subjects were presented with two scenarios depicting embarrassing situations: one representing a loss of poise, and the other representing an inappropriate indentity display. In the first study, subjects rated four researcher-supplied strategies in terms of appropriateness, effectiveness, and satisfaction to others. In study two, subjects generated their own strategies for remediating embarrassment and rated them on the same criteria. Excuse and justification were not common or preferred strategies while apology and remediation were highly preferred. Females regarded more deferential strategies (e.g. excuse, apology) as more appropriate than did males. Males and females did not differ, however, in their reported use of strategies. In addition, the perceived appropriateness and effectiveness of strategies was found to vary as a function of the type of embarrassment.

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