Masters Thesis

Effects of suppression on interpersonal well-being

This research examined the moderating effect of emotion type (anger, sadness, and happiness), relationship type (friend vs. coworker/classmate), and direction of emotion (toward vs. not toward interaction partner) on the relationship between suppression of emotion and interpersonal well-being/social support. This study tested the following hypotheses: suppression of anger directed at an interaction partner will be positively correlated with interpersonal well-being/social support; this correlation will be stronger in a coworker/classmate relationship, compared to a friendship; suppression of emotion not directed at the interaction partner will negatively correlate with interpersonal wellbeing/ social support; this correlation will be stronger in friendships than in coworker/classmate relationships. Participants completed a series of questions online assessing: frequency of experience, expression, and suppression of emotion within two relationships; relationship closeness, interpersonal well-being/social support in the two relationships examined; demographics, and personality. Results found a negative relationship between suppression of anger directed toward a friend and interpersonal wellbeing/ social support, a negative correlation between suppression of anger not directed at an interaction partner and social support in both friendships and in coworker/classmate relationships, and a significantly greater negative correlation between suppression of sadness not directed at an interaction partner and social support in friendships compared to coworker/classmate relationships. These results offered valuable insight into the specific instances in which suppression of emotion may have damaging effects on interpersonal well-being. This knowledge will allow for more successful interpersonal interactions and overall well-being.

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