Are you looking for secrets? How autonomy and norms shape concealment

This paper examines why individuals conceal information from others. Drawing on a recent theory about the origins of concealment, we argue that concealment stems from two primary sources: the desire for autonomy and norms of concealment. Using a nationally representative probability survey, we find that a desire for autonomy in two different domains—intimate relationships and work—is associated with concealment from romantic partners and coworkers/clients in those contexts. We also find that concealment is correlated with a descriptive and moral norm of concealment, with the moral norm having a weaker effect at work than in intimate relationships. We discuss the implications of these findings for research on concealment and its consequences for individuals, groups, and societies.