From the Guidelines
Suppression is considered a healthier coping mechanism than repression due to its conscious awareness of unwanted thoughts or feelings, leading to better psychological outcomes and lower rates of anxiety and depression. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023 1, supports the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychosocial interventions in managing anxiety and depression in adult survivors of cancer. While this study does not directly compare suppression and repression, it highlights the importance of conscious awareness and deliberate management of emotions in achieving better psychological outcomes. Some key points to consider when practicing suppression as a coping mechanism include:
- Acknowledging difficult emotions before deliberately setting them aside
- Planning to address these emotions at an appropriate time and place
- Being aware of the potential benefits of suppression, including lower cortisol levels and reduced inflammation
- Recognizing the importance of conscious awareness in processing difficult emotions and facilitating better interpersonal relationships. It is essential to note that the evidence provided does not directly address the comparison between suppression and repression, but it emphasizes the value of conscious awareness and deliberate management of emotions in achieving better psychological outcomes, which is in line with the principles of suppression. In the context of managing anxiety and depression, the 2023 study 1 suggests that CBT and other psychosocial interventions can be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life, which can be seen as supporting the use of suppression as a coping mechanism. However, it is crucial to consider the individual's specific circumstances and needs when determining the most appropriate coping mechanism, and to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. The 2019 study 1 also highlights the importance of cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing psychologic symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, in patients with cancer, which further supports the use of conscious awareness and deliberate management of emotions in achieving better psychological outcomes.
From the Research
Suppression as a Coping Mechanism
- Suppression is a coping mechanism that involves consciously pushing away unwanted thoughts or emotions, whereas repression is an unconscious process of hiding unpleasant memories or desires from conscious awareness.
- Research suggests that suppression can be a healthier coping mechanism than repression in some cases, as it allows individuals to acknowledge and manage their emotions in a more conscious way 2, 3.
Comparison with Repression
- Repression is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including increased anxiety, depression, and psychological distress 4, 5.
- In contrast, suppression can be a more adaptive coping mechanism, particularly when used in conjunction with other strategies such as cognitive reappraisal 2, 3.
- However, it's worth noting that excessive use of suppression can also have negative consequences, such as increased stress and decreased well-being 4, 6.
Key Findings
- A study published in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience found that cognitive reappraisal (a form of suppression) was associated with healthier patterns of affect, social functioning, and well-being than expressive suppression 2.
- Another study published in Emotion found that reappraisal and suppression mediated the contribution of regulatory focus to anxiety in healthy adults, suggesting that effective emotion regulation can serve as a mechanism through which promotion confers protection against anxiety 3.
- A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy, which involves suppression of negative thoughts and emotions, had small effects on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in people with chronic somatic diseases 6.