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Repression-sensitization and nonverbal expressiveness.
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, USA.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|April 1, 1979
Summary
This study explored how repression-sensitization (R-S) influences nonverbal expressiveness under stress. Findings suggest repressors, unlike sensitizers, may alter their emotional expression based on perceived assessment goals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- The repression-sensitization (R-S) dimension describes individual differences in coping with anxiety.
- Understanding how R-S status affects nonverbal expressiveness under varying conditions is crucial for psychological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between repression-sensitization status and nonverbal expressiveness.
- To examine how stress and perceived purpose of assessment influence these expressive behaviors.
- To test predictions derived from ego-defensive and attitude towards emotionality theories.
Main Methods:
- Forty participants were categorized into repressor and sensitizer groups based on R-S scores.
- Subjects viewed either a stressful or neutral film.
- Perceived purpose of subsequent testing was manipulated (creativity vs. personality assessment).
Main Results:
- The study did not strongly support all predictions from either ego-defensive or attitude towards emotionality theories.
- Data were partially reconcilable with Lefcourt's "attitude towards emotionality" theory.
- Repressors, but not sensitizers, appeared concerned with their perceived assessment goals.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in repression-sensitization may influence nonverbal emotional expression, particularly under perceived evaluative conditions.
- Lefcourt's theory offers a potential framework for understanding these nuanced responses.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between R-S, stress, and expressive behavior.