Research suggests that efforts to actively suppress emotions result in:
inevitable outbursts of physical aggression.
increased autonomic arousal.
deficiencies in one’s ability to deal with others.
more efficient time management.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: increased autonomic arousal.
Explanation:
Research in psychology and neuroscience consistently shows that actively suppressing emotions, especially negative emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety, tends to increase autonomic arousal. Autonomic arousal refers to the activation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions that are automatic, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and sweating. When someone tries to suppress or hide their emotional responses, their body still reacts physiologically, often resulting in heightened internal stress.
Why does this happen?
When people consciously try to inhibit emotional expression (like holding back tears or anger), it requires cognitive effort and uses mental resources that would otherwise be free for other functions. This effort activates the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system — often called the “fight or flight” system — increasing physiological responses such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
Key points from research include:
- Emotion suppression is a form of self-regulation that paradoxically increases internal stress. For example, studies measuring heart rate and skin conductance show that individuals who suppress emotions have higher physiological arousal compared to those who express emotions naturally.
- Suppression does not eliminate the emotional experience, it only reduces outward expression. The emotion is still felt inside, and the effort to control it can lead to increased muscle tension and other signs of stress.
- This physiological arousal can have long-term negative effects on health. Chronic suppression and associated autonomic arousal have been linked to issues such as hypertension, weakened immune functioning, and increased risk for anxiety and depression.
- Inefficient social functioning is sometimes a side effect but not a direct result. While suppression may impair social interactions because others perceive the person as less genuine or more distant, this is more about social communication than the autonomic nervous system directly.
Why are the other options incorrect?
- Inevitable outbursts of physical aggression is not supported as a direct consequence of suppression. While unresolved anger can sometimes build up, suppression itself doesn’t always lead to aggressive outbursts.
- Deficiencies in one’s ability to deal with others can result indirectly from suppression but it is not the primary physiological outcome measured by research.
- More efficient time management is unrelated and not supported by evidence concerning emotional suppression.
Summary:
Efforts to actively suppress emotions increase physiological stress responses through the autonomic nervous system. Although this suppression may hide emotions outwardly, the internal bodily arousal remains elevated, leading to greater strain on mental and physical health. This explains why “increased autonomic arousal” is the best answer.