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Hidden Brain · February 9, 2026 · 50m

Coming Clean

Leslie John on the psychology of self-disclosure — when sharing personal information builds trust and when it backfires. The research says we overestimate the risks and underestimate the benefits of being open.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

John's disclosure research confirms Winnicott: hiding parts of yourself (the false self) takes measurable mental and physical toll. Disclosure literally improves health.

Highlights

We overestimate the cost of self-disclosure
John's research: people consistently overpredict how negatively others will react to their disclosures. We keep secrets that would actually bring us closer.
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