This research examines how keeping secrets in romantic relationships harms well-being. It introduces “fear of discovery,” the anxiety that secrets will be revealed unintentionally. Findings show this fear increases obsessive thinking and reduces relationship and life satisfaction, offering new insight into why secrecy negatively affects mental health.

This research compares three experimental models of anxiety — threat of shock, CO₂-induced panic, and speech-induced social anxiety — to reveal how each affects cognition. Findings show distinct patterns in attention, memory, and loss aversion, offering insights that could improve and better tailor treatments for anxiety disorders.