여자의 적은 여자? 여자는 자존감 낮을수록 다른 여자들을 뒷담화한다
자존감 낮고 외모 열등감이 있으며 질투심이 많은 여성, 다른 여성 뒷담화 많이 해
그러나 남성도 여성만큼 가십이 많으며, 더 과격하게 뒷담화한다
"Low Self-Esteem Linked to Gossiping Among Women: Study"
A recent study suggests that women with low self-esteem and high levels of jealousy are more likely to engage in gossiping about other women. The findings indicate that gossiping behaviors are prevalent not only among women but also among men.
Gossiping, a common human behavior, often revolves around celebrity rumors and scandals. However, it also includes discussions about other people. Many individuals enjoy tearing others down and engaging in gossip. The study particularly highlights that women who gossip frequently tend to have lower self-esteem and experience feelings of jealousy.
Researchers from Beijing Normal University in China explored whether young women employ gossiping strategies when encountering potential romantic rivals who are perceived as more physically attractive. Their findings were published in the journal 'Evolutionary Psychological Science.'
The study recruited 190 women aged 23 to 35 and initially assessed their physical attractiveness and self-esteem. Participants were then shown photographs of women categorized as either highly attractive or less attractive.
Participants were asked to imagine themselves in social gatherings with a desired male companion. They were then presented with negative information about the women in the photographs and were evaluated on their likelihood to share this information within various social contexts.
Analysis revealed that participants were more likely to spread negative information about the women in the photographs to their friends compared to sharing positive information. Particularly, less attractive women reported higher levels of jealousy when the women in the photographs were perceived as attractive, which in turn correlated with an increased likelihood of gossiping about them.
This study sheds light on the psychological motivations behind gossiping behaviors, emphasizing the role of self-esteem and jealousy in interpersonal dynamics among women.
However, women with lower self-esteem were particularly more likely to gossip when faced with highly attractive competitors.
The researchers explained, "These findings suggest that young women experience higher levels of jealousy when encountering physically attractive potential rivals, and as a result, they are more likely to transmit negative information about these rivals to their friends, potentially damaging their sexual reputation." They further noted that women with lower self-esteem were especially prone to engaging in gossip and spreading negative information to their friends.
Gossip: A Female Thing? Men Also Gossip as Much as Women
While it may seem like gossiping is primarily a female behavior, recent research from Ariel University in Israel reveals that men also engage in gossiping as much as women, if not more. Men who behave contrary to traditional gentlemanly conduct are much more likely to gossip about their female coworkers. This was evident from a survey conducted on over 2,200 people about their gossiping habits, which found that men and women gossip at similar rates in the workplace. However, women tend to engage more in supportive conversations about their colleagues, whereas men are more inclined to gossip and use derogatory language in efforts to undermine rivals.
Not All Gossip is Bad: A Coping Mechanism for Insecure Individuals
Interestingly, gossip isn't always perceived negatively. According to researchers, gossip provides a way for women to compete in non-physically threatening ways, while it helps boost confidence in men. However, it is acknowledged as a selfish method to defend one's social status. The study statistically demonstrated significant gender differences in how gossip is processed emotionally: gossip among women tends to be more selfish and positively encoded compared to gossip among men.
These results highlight the complex role gossip plays in social dynamics, influenced by gender and individual insecurities.
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