Expressing embarrassment (or not): Which effects on produced impression on others and on attributed social value?

Embarrassment is a negative but prosocial emotion, which often arises from the transgression of a social norm. Its expression thus plays a crucial role in the social perception. The aim of this paper is to document this role during both ordinary and extra-ordinary situations (i.e., with stakes). Using scenarios’ method, 27 participants and 100 recruiters evaluated persons expressing embarrassment or not. Study 1 showed that during ordinary situations, nonverbal expression of embarrassment led to make a good impression by signalling desire of appeasement and prosociality. In contrast, Study 2 revealed that during a job interview, verbal expression of embarrassment through defensive tactics was rather negatively perceived. The manipulation of emotions as emotive communication tools will be discussed.