Embarrassment is a painful but important emotional state. Most researchers believe that the purpose of embarrassment is to make people feel badly about their social or personal mistakes as a form of internal (or societal) feedback, so that they learn not to repeat the error. The accompanying physiological changes, including blushing, sweating, or stammering , may signal to others that a person rec
What Is Embarrassment? (Plain Language Explanation)
Embarrassment refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Embarrassment
- Symptoms: The specific ways embarrassment shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen embarrassment
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When embarrassment occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Embarrassment
- Embarrassment is far more common than most people realize
- Embarrassment is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with embarrassment see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about embarrassment is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing embarrassment, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.