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Investigating cultural differences in the effects of expressive suppression when processing traumatic distressing
Amanda Nagulendran1, Peter J Norton1, Laura Jobson1
1School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
|August 5, 2020
Summary
Culture influences emotion regulation strategies. Expressive suppression reduced immediate intrusive memories across cultural groups, but psychophysiological responses varied between East Asian and European Australians.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Trauma studies
Background:
- Emotion suppression is linked to poor post-traumatic adjustment.
- The role of culture in this relationship remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate cultural differences in expressive suppression effects.
- Examine impact on distress, psychophysiology, and intrusive memories during a traumatic film.
Main Methods:
- 82 Australian participants (European and East Asian heritage) were assigned to suppression or control groups.
- Measured electrodermal activity, heart rate, and heart rate variability (RMSSD).
- Assessed film-related intrusions immediately and one week post-viewing.
Main Results:
- East Asian suppression group showed higher RMSSD during the film compared to controls.
- Suppression reduced immediate intrusive memories across both cultural groups.
- Heart rate changes predicted weekly intrusions differently for European and East Asian Australians.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight culture's role in emotion regulation and its implications for trauma.
- Suggests cultural nuances in the effectiveness of suppression for managing intrusive memories.
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