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Expressive Suppression Within Task-Oriented Dyads: The Moderating Role of Power
Stefania Balzarotti1, Stefano Cesana1, Federica Biassoni1
1Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
Emotional suppression negatively impacts relationships, especially in unequal power dynamics. Even in task-oriented interactions, suppressing emotions can lead to negative experiences and reduced rapport for all involved.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Emotion Regulation
- Interpersonal Dynamics
Background:
- Emotional suppression consistently shows adverse personal and social effects.
- Suppression's impact may differ in non-close versus close relationships.
- Power dynamics can influence interpersonal interactions and emotional expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of experimentally induced emotional suppression.
- To examine expressive behavior, emotional experience, and social outcomes.
- To analyze these effects within task-oriented interactions across different power positions (high/low vs. equal).
Main Methods:
- 88 participants were randomly paired into 44 dyads.
- Dyads were assigned to experimental conditions manipulating suppression use and power (high/low vs. equal).
- Participants completed two problem-solving tasks under assigned conditions.
Main Results:
- Subordinates using suppression reported more negative emotions, inauthenticity, and less rapport than equal-power individuals.
- High-power individuals interacting with a suppressing partner showed less positive behavior and rapport.
- In equal-power dyads, suppression led to lower positive emotions and higher inauthenticity.
Conclusions:
- Emotional suppression appears to impair task-oriented interactions more significantly in unequal power dynamics.
- Suppression negatively affects emotional experience, authenticity, and rapport regardless of power balance.
- Findings suggest careful consideration of emotional regulation strategies in professional and task-based settings.
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