Abstract
ABSTRACT Putative secrets have been investigated in the context of close romantic relationships, yet little work has examined how these secrets function in the family context. This mixed-methods study sought to examine family putative secret types, how these secrets are discovered, and the relational outcomes of learning these secrets. Participants (N = 214) completed a survey that asked about a current putative secret held by an immediate family member. Results revealed three putative secrets topics distinct to families (relationship ties, abortion, left school) and found “accidental discovery” to be the most common putative secret discovery method. Putative secrets that were highly negative made participants (putative secret perceivers) feel more distant, more hurt, and less satisfied with their relationship with the putative secret keeping family member. Practical implications are discussed as to how individuals and family counselors may implement these findings into practice.
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