The relationship between fear of emotions and stress responses: Development of the Japanese-version Affective Control Scale

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to develop the Japanese-version Affective Control Scale (JACS) and to investigate the relationship between fear of emotions and stress responses. In study I, we had 517 undergraduates completed the JACS. Results indicated the JACS had high internal consistency. Also, the subscales of the JACS were substantially intercorrelated. In study II, we had 348 undergraduates completed the questionnaire that assessed fear of emotions, neuroticism, trait meta-mood, and avoidance of negative emotions. Construct validities of the JACS were confirmed based on the correlations of these variables. In Study III, we had 140 undergraduates completed the questionnaire that assessed fear of emotions, coping strategies, and stress responses. As a result, fear of emotions was positively correlated with avoidance and stress responses. Theses results indicate that fear of emotions seem to be the factor linking coping strategies and stress responses. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results were discussed.