Study Finds the Secret to An Effective Apology

New research has uncovered the key to convincing others that you’re sincere when you say you’re sorry. Scientists analyzed how a group of 755 adults reacted to a range of apologies containing some or all of six essential elements, including: an assertion of regret; admission of responsibility; an attempt to explain what went wrong; an expression of repentance; an offer to repair the damage; and a request for forgiveness.

According to a paper published in the May 2016 issue of the journal Negotiation and Conflict Management Research, the most successful apologies included all six components. However, an acknowledgment of responsibility appeared to be the most important element, and an offer of repair ranked second. Expressing regret, explaining what went wrong, and conveying remorse all tied for third place in the elements that helped make an apology effective, while asking for forgiveness ranked last. “Apologies do work, but you should make sure you hit as many of the six key components as possible,” the study’s lead author said.

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