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The social consequences of expressive suppression
Emily A Butler1, Boris Egloff, Frank H Wilhelm
1Department of Psychology, Stanford University, California 94305-2130, USA.
Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|August 6, 2003
Summary
Suppressing emotions during social interactions disrupts communication and increases stress. This study found that expressive suppression negatively impacts emotional experiences and relationship formation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Individuals often suppress emotions during social interactions.
- Expressive suppression may negatively affect communication and increase stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of expressive suppression on communication, stress, and relationship formation.
- To compare expressive suppression with natural responding and cognitive reappraisal.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with unacquainted pairs of women discussing an upsetting topic.
- Participants were assigned to suppress emotions, respond naturally, or use cognitive reappraisal.
- Physiological (blood pressure) and self-report measures were collected.
Main Results:
- Expressive suppression disrupted communication and increased blood pressure in partners (Study 1).
- Suppression negatively affected emotional experience and increased blood pressure in both suppressors and partners (Study 2).
- Suppression reduced rapport and inhibited relationship formation.
Conclusions:
- Expressive suppression has detrimental effects on social interactions, communication, and relationship quality.
- The findings highlight the negative consequences of emotional suppression in interpersonal contexts.