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Differences in blushing

Differences in blushing behavior exist. Between men and women for example, women are more likely than men to blush in response to a compliment, and between people with different cultural backgrounds, people from a European culture blush more readily than those from an Asian culture.

 

There are no discernable physiological differences between these groups, suggesting the differences are social ones. Indeed, even very dark-skinned people blush, although it is far less easily seen.

And finally, it is rare for a person to blush when entirely alone, regardless of how silly or inappropriate their behavior, suggesting a social component. Humans are the only animals who blush.

The social purpose of blushing is unknown. One possibility is that blushing is a nonverbal means of saving face. It may be meant to mitigate the negative reactions of others.

Studies have shown that people react more favorably to those who have made a mistake when they blush. Studies also suggest that when people blush and they believe it is not observed, they engage in more overt, voluntary behaviors designed to elicit a positive response in embarrassing situations, for example, they may act more apologetic.

This hypothesis has some support in the animal kingdom. Although blushing is a uniquely human characteristic, behaviors that often go hand in hand with blushing (for example, avoiding eye contact or smiling) are used by other primates in appeasement displays. Overt attention such as staring triggers these responses in humans and nonhuman primates alike.