Give Me a Break! Go Wash Your Hands

Are your friends or parents a little too judgmental sometimes? Try this next time you feel an argument coming on: Having them wash their hands! Believe it or not, a simple hand washing could make them cut you a little slack. A new study found that a person who feels physically clean is less critical. Really!

In the study, psychologist Simone Schnall had students watch a disturbing movie scene to make them feel disgusted. Then, half those students washed their hands. When they were done, all the students were given a little quiz. They were asked to rate a series of moral dilemmas, like keeping money found inside a lost wallet, on a range from “perfectly OK” to “extremely wrong.” The hand-washers rated the same moral stories less severely than those who didn’t wash. It might sound like a stretch, but the researchers say the results show  people are subconsciously influenced by how physically clean they feel. Other studies have found a link between physical warmth, like holding a cup of hot chocolate, and feelings of kindness.

The lesson: Next time you get in trouble with your parents, offer them a little soap and water before arguing!

Photo: The Associated Press

*Do you think it's true that washing up can make a person less critical? Have you ever noticed a link between being physically warm and feeling kinder? Let us know by clicking on "Comments" below!

Comments

[Sarah Chen]

Yes, I agree that it is true that washing up can make a person less critical. Also, I think it is humans’ inherent nature to like cleaning things and keep things tidy, though everyone has different perspectives on what is neat or what is dirty. In the book “Atonement,” the author Ian McEwan described the heroine, Briony, as using an iron scrubber to brush her hands. Because the heroine made the wrong decision, the leading man, Robbie, and the other heroine, Cecilia, who is Briony’s sister, died eventually. Because Briony wanted to clean her dirty hands, she even wrote a novel telling the truth, giving the happy ending to Robbie and Cecilia after they had died. It is true that people want to clean themselves to make themselves feel better. Though they just wash the surface, their hearts can feel that they get rid of the wrong things they have done. Then their hearts become warmer and feel kinder. Because of the forgiveness you feel, there is less guilt. That’s the link I found.

[Jamie]

OMG THIS REMINDS ME OF SWINE FLU! RUN FOR THE HILLS!