The Psychological Significance of the Blush
The Psychological Significance of the Blush
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The blush is a ubiquitous yet little understood phenomenon which can be triggered by a number of self-conscious emotions such as shame, embarrassment, shyness, pride and guilt. The field of psychology has seen a recent surge in the research of such emotions, yet blushing remains a relatively neglected area. This unique volume brings together leading researchers from a variety of disciplines to review emerging research on the blush, discussing in depth issues that have arisen and stimulating new theorizing to indicate future directions for research. Topics covered include: the psychophysiology of the blush; developmental aspects; measurement issues; its evolutionary significance and the role of similar colour signals in the social life of other species; its relation to embarrassment, shame and social anxiety; and the rationale for, and clinical trials of, interventions to help people suffering from blushing phobia.
- A unique contribution to the study of emotion which builds on the research into emotional expressions such as embarrassment, shame and shyness
- Brings together different disciplines and different branches of psychology to discuss the significance of the blush within a wider scientific context
- Relates social anxiety and the fear of blushing to the role of the blush in social life
Reviews & endorsements
'A must-read for everyone interested in emotions.' Wilco W. van Dijk, Leiden University
'In the last two decades our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, meanings and implications of blushing has increased considerably. This excellent collection of chapters written by internationally recognised experts and expertly edited by Ray Crozier and Peter de Jong provides a timely update of the current state of knowledge and directions for future research. This is a recommended read for any academic, researcher or practitioner with even a passing interest in this fascinating topic. The next two decades look exciting indeed.' Robert J. Edelmann, University of Roehampton
'Darwin - who said 'blushing is the most peculiar and the most human of all expressions' - would be awed and delighted with this book.' Don Shearn, Professor Emeritus, Colorado College
'This comprehensive and impressively constructed presentation of the state of blush research is a fascinating and useful volume for evolutionary scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuroscientists. However, because of the quality of the prose, it is also appropriate for lay readers curious about this uniquely human phenomenon.' Shannon G. Caspersen, The American Journal of Psychiatry
Product details
December 2012Adobe eBook Reader
9781139603409
0 pages
0kg
8 b/w illus. 7 tables
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
Table of Contents
- 1. The study of the blush: Darwin and after W. Ray Crozier and Peter J. de Jong
- Part I. The Nature of the Blush:
- 2. Psychophysiology of the blush Peter D. Drummond
- 3. Measurement of the blush Ruth Cooper and Alexander L. Gerlach
- Part II. Theoretical Perspectives on the Blush:
- 4. Psychological theories of blushing Mark R. Leary and Kaitlin Toner
- 5. Colours of the face: a comparative glance Jan A. R. A. M. van Hooff
- 6. Self-conscious emotional development Hedy Stegge
- 7. A biosocial perspective on embarrassment Ryan S. Darby and Christine R. Harris
- 8. The affective neuroscience of human social anxiety Vladimir Miskovic and Louis A. Schmidt
- Part III. The Blush in Social Interaction:
- 9. The interactive origins and outcomes of embarrassment Rowland S. Miller
- 10. Performing the blush: a dramaturgical perspective Susie Scott
- 11. Blushing and the private self W. Ray Crozier
- 12. Signal value and interpersonal implications of the blush Peter J. de Jong and Corine Dijk
- Part IV. Blushing Problems: Processes and Interventions:
- 13. Red, hot and scared: mechanisms underlying fear of blushing Corine Dijk and Peter J. de Jong
- 14. Psychological interventions for fear of blushing Michelle C. Capozzoli, Imke J. J. Vonk, Susan M. Bögels and Stefan G. Hofmann
- 15. Psychological aspects of rosacea Peter D. Drummond and Daphne Su
- Conclusions:
- 16. Conclusions, what we don't know and future directions for research W. Ray Crozier and Peter J. de Jong.
