Self-Censoring Your Thoughts May Also Be Changing Your Behavior

People with viewpoints in the minority tend to self-silence their thoughts. 

fizkes/Shutterstock

In a busy campus cafeteria where everyone is debating the addition of more plant-based options, would you speak up if your opinion were different? Recent research suggests that many people might choose to stay quiet, and some may even act against their own beliefs.

The study highlights a common issue: Those holding minority views often engage in “self-silencing” during group discussions. This behavior hinders open conversation and can lead people to behave in ways that contradict their values. Mental health experts warn that this pattern of self-silencing can have serious long-term effects on one’s well-being.

Suppression of Minority Opinions

The study, recently published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, involved about 250 students surveyed on their opinions of the school’s policy to increase more plant-based food options on campus. These students were then paired up in a conversation to see whether they would share their real opinions with others.