- Some people hide important parts of their identity.
- Other people are open about who they are.
- Hiding identity can cause more daily emotional strain and worry.
- Being open often helps people feel clearer about themselves.
- These feelings change how people feel each day.
- Researchers watched young adults for many days and collected reports.
- Social interactions can make hiding identity harder sometimes.
- Having a supportive community can reduce emotional harm.
Difficult words
- identity — who a person is, their name and traits
- hide — to put something where others cannot seehiding
- emotional — related to feelings and moods
- supportive — giving help and encouragement to someone
- community — a group of people who live or share
- researcher — a person who studies or checks informationResearchers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you tell people important parts of your identity?
- Do you have a supportive community?
- Do social interactions sometimes make you worried?
Related articles
Culturally Wise Programs Help Women in Niger
A University of Michigan study published in PNAS finds that programs matching local values help women in rural Niger more than Western-style interventions. The research says social and psychological factors affect people’s ability to improve their lives.
Study finds similar narcissism patterns across countries
An international study of over 45,000 people in 53 countries found consistent narcissism patterns. Younger adults and men scored higher, people in wealthier countries scored higher, and group-oriented cultures did not differ much from individualistic ones.
Ancestral healing in the Caribbean
Ancestral healing asks societies to face historical wounds so people can live healthier lives. In the Caribbean, educators combine shamanic practices, nervous-system work and cultural rituals with scientific findings about trauma and community care.