A confession is a statement made by a person or group that admits something they would likely want to keep secret. The word "confession" suggests that the speaker believes the listener does not already know the information. It is often linked to admitting a mistake that is morally or legally wrong.

Not all confessions involve wrongdoing. For example, saying someone loves another person is often seen as positive by both the person giving the confession and the person receiving it. This idea is common in stories and books. When confessions involve wrongdoing, they can have special meanings. A legal confession is when someone admits to doing something that breaks a law. In religion, the idea of confession differs among different faiths. It usually involves a person admitting thoughts or actions they believe are sinful or wrong according to their religion. In some religions, confession is spoken aloud to another person. However, in everyday life, the word "confession" can also describe admissions that are not legally or religiously important.

Psychology

Confession can be helpful for the person who confesses. Paul Wilkes describes confession as "a pillar of mental health" because it helps reduce stress from hiding secrets. People are more likely to confess when the advantages of confessing are greater than the risks (when the harm caused by the wrongdoing is small, the harm to the person who was wronged is minimal, and the chance of others learning about the secret is high). People may confess to feel better about their actions or to ask for forgiveness from someone they hurt. These confessions can also help build relationships between the person who confesses and the person who listens. Sometimes, the listener might also share their own confession in response. A person might confess wrongdoing to form a connection with another person or to learn more information from them. In some cases, a confession might be made in a way that highlights the person's own actions, possibly to provoke a reaction from the listener.

Law

In law, there is a rule that allows someone to give testimony about another person's confession if the statement could put the person who made it at risk of being punished. This is based on the idea that a person would not likely lie about something that could lead to serious consequences. In U.S. law, a confession must be given freely to be used in court. Confessions, whether given under pressure or not, can sometimes be part of trials that are not focused on finding the truth.

In India, the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, sections 24 to 30, explain rules about confessions. The term "confession" is not clearly defined in any law, but judges have explained it as an admission that includes all parts of a crime. Section 24 states that a confession must be given voluntarily. Section 25 says that a confession made to a police officer is not valid. Section 26 discusses confessions made while in police custody. Section 27 explains when and how confessions made in police custody can be used in court.

According to section 30 of the Indian Evidence Act, if two or more people are tried together, a confession made by one person that accuses themselves and others is relevant to the case.

Medicine

Dr. Suzanne Karan, who is a director of a residency program in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Rochester, started confessions sessions as part of residency education. In 2015, Dr. Karan shared her research on confessions, explaining that these sessions helped trainees reflect, talk, and admit mistakes without fear of punishment. The sessions also allowed important issues facing medical trainees to be addressed early.

Socialization

Public confessions are used in group meetings and other ways to manage and guide behavior that involve criticizing oneself.