Emotional Suppression Research Articles

Memristive Neural Network Circuit of Negative Emotion Inhibition With Self‐Repair and Memory

ABSTRACTThe generated mechanism of negative emotion involves the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala in the brain. Based on the biological mechanism, this paper proposes a memristive neural network circuit of negative emotion inhibition with self‐repair and memory. The proposed memristive neural network circuit consists of five modules: memory (hippocampus) module, inhibition (prefrontal cortex) module, damage detection module, repair module, and output (amygdala) module. The memory module does not respond to a small negative signal, but a large negative signal will cause the memory module to form memories. If the large negative signal repeats, the memory module will output a memory signal to the inhibition module. The inhibition module receives the negative signal and the memory signal and then generates an inhibition signal. When the negative signal is small, the inhibition module outputs normally. When the large negative signal is applied for the first time, the inhibition module becomes damaged and the output is abnormal. As the memristor in the inhibition module has exceeded its damaged threshold, the damage detection module will generate a damaged signal to the repair module. The repair module will restore the memristance of the memristor in the inhibition module after receiving the damaged signal. If the large negative signal is applied again, the memory signal from the memory module will help the inhibition module to output normally. The output module receives the negative signal and the inhibition signal and then generates the negative emotion signal appropriately. The PSPICE simulation results show that the hippocampus generates memories after learning and transmits them to the prefrontal cortex, and then the prefrontal cortex inhibits the amygdala to generate the negative emotion appropriately. The proposed memristive neural network circuit can be applied to the robots, which can flexibly alter the intensity of the negative emotion expressed by the robots.

The Effect of Emotional Coworker Support on Work Engagement Among Pediatric Health Care Providers: The Mediator Role of Emotional Regulation.

Previous findings demonstrated that healthcare workers with a high level of social support are likely to engage in their work. Healthcare workers are not only engaged in the physical problems of their patients but also in their emotional difficulties. Pediatric professionals must express and regulate their own emotions during their interactions with young patients and their families. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of coworkers' emotional support on healthcare workers' work engagement in pediatric healthcare settings and the emotional regulation mechanisms by which emotional coworker support leads to work engagement. A cross-sectional study was distributed in a Belgian pediatric hospital between October 2021 and December 2021. The sample consisted of 274 healthcare workers who were in direct contact with patients. Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of measures of coworker emotional support, work engagement, emotional suppression, and cognitive reevaluation. Emotional suppression partially mediated the effects of perceived emotional coworker support on work engagement. Coworkers' emotional support fosters work engagement by reducing the negative effects of emotional suppression. Moreover, cognitive evaluation was positively associated with work engagement. These results provide insight into the influence of perceived emotional coworkers, emotional suppression, and cognitive reevaluation on work engagement.

Echoes of Memory and Identity: A Psychological and Theoretical Analysis of the Ripple Effect in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day

This paper explores the psychological and literary dimensions of Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day, focusing on how memory and past choices impact the protagonist’s identity. Utilising Freudian psychoanalysis, Jungian archetypes, and cognitive dissonance theory, the study delves into Stevens’s emotional suppression, internal conflicts, and gradual self-awareness. Additionally, narrative and postmodern literary theories are applied to analyse Ishiguro’s narrative style, revealing the protagonist’s selective and unreliable memory. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how Stevens’s recollections and repressed emotions create a ripple effect that shapes his identity and underscores the human experience of introspection and regret. The findings highlight the intricate interplay between memory and identity and the significance of psychological insights in literary analysis.

Trajectories of Coping With Persistent Smell and Taste Dysfunction After a Covid-19 Infection-A Qualitative Interview Study.

To explore trajectories of understanding and managing persistent chemosensory dysfunction after COVID-19 in patients undergoing clinical treatment. A descriptive qualitative interview study with a realist approach. Data were collected in Sweden, from August 2022 to March 2023 through semi-structured interviews with 30 patients undergoing treatment for long-lasting smell and taste dysfunction resulting from COVID-19. Thematic analysis was applied in a process that involved continuous discussions and refinement of codes into themes and subthemes. Three main themes were identified: (1) Understanding the sensory alterations, which includes subthemes of Searching for validation and Seeking remedies; (2) Practical coping strategies, encompassing Adapted eating and Managing olfactory training and (3) Navigating the emotional landscape, featuring Self-persuasion and suppression and The ambivalence of acceptance. These themes highlight the cyclic and fluid nature of coping with the dysfunction, reflecting a dynamic process of adaptation. Despite treatment options like olfactory training, participants frequently experienced frustration due to limited perceived improvement and the psychological toll of managing their condition. The study highlights the complex and personal nature of coping with long-term smell and taste dysfunction post-COVID-19. Coping strategies varied widely and evolved over time, reflecting a dynamic process of adaptation. The emotional and psychological impact was profound, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include both physiological and psychological support. There is a need for more effective interventions and support mechanisms to improve the quality of life for those affected by these persistent symptoms. This study contributes to the understanding of COVID-19's long-term effects on smell and taste, highlighting the need for ongoing support from health care, further research into effective interventions, and a comprehensive approach to care for individuals affected by these conditions. This study addresses trajectories and challenges of coping with persistent chemosensory dysfunction. Findings emphasise the complexity of managing persistent chemosensory dysfunction and the critical role of personalised care. The study contributes to knowledge for nurses in understanding patients with chemosensory dysfunction. This research adheres to the EQUATOR guidelines: Standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR). No patient or public contribution.

DELINEATING TOXIC MASCULINITY IN TANA FRENCH’S THE WITCH ELM

This article explores the concept of toxic masculinity in The Witch Elm (2018), a novel by Tana French, using R.W. Connell's theory of hegemonic masculinity and Amy Wharton's sociology of gender frameworks. The research focuses on the protagonist, Toby, who shows toxic masculine traits such as emotional suppression, independence, aggression, and vulnerability avoidance. The study uses qualitative descriptive analysis, examining key scenes in the novel in which these behaviors manifest, especially in relation to family and romantic partners. Through this analysis, the findings reveal how toxic masculinity not only contributes to Toby's deteriorating mental health but also isolates him emotionally, resulting in damaged relationships and increased psychological distress. Ultimately, the article concludes that toxic masculinity extends emotional isolation, reinforcing harmful gender norms that prevent men from seeking support or expressing vulnerability. The research contributes to a broader discourse on how societal expectations of masculinity negatively impact individual males while continuing gender inequality. The study highlights the importance of challenging these norms to foster healthier emotional expression, stronger relationships, and more fair gender dynamics in society.

Between Can’t and Won’t: The Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness, Stoic Ideology, and Alexithymia in Norway and New Zealand

Abstract Objectives The aim of the present study was to provide cross-cultural insight into the relationship between mindfulness, alexithymia, and stoic ideology. Method Using samples from New Zealand (n = 330) and Norway (n = 326), we estimated the facet-level network relationship of our target constructs, as well as the invariance of the estimated networks across cultural contexts. Results Across cultural contexts, we found a consistent pattern of relationships in which both stoic ideology and alexithymia were negatively related to mindfulness. Negative relationships were especially pronounced between alexithymia and the mindfulness facets of Describing, Non-Judgement, and Acting with Awareness. This indicates that individual differences in these mindfulness facets might be more firmly rooted in difficulties identifying and describing emotions, compared to beliefs related to emotional suppression, as captured by stoic ideology. While the mindfulness facets showed overall expected patterns of relationships with both alexithymia and stoic ideology, Non-Reacting showed a divergent pattern. Non-Reacting was positively related to a tendency of Externally Oriented Thinking, as well as with Death-Acceptance, in both countries. Thus, this facet not only might capture Non-reactivity within the context of mindfulness, but also could potentially capture aspects of emotional avoidance. Conclusions Overall, the study highlights that mindfulness could be influenced by both individual differences in emotion processing and cognitive beliefs about emotion processing. This accentuates the importance of examining both individual differences in, and cognitive beliefs about emotion regulation in research regarding mindfulness.

The Indonesian Film Industry: Representation Of Toxic Masculinity In The Film Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap

This study explores the representation of toxic masculinity in the film ”Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap”, as exemplified by the character Mr. Domu, the patriarch of a Batak family. His behavior mirrors the patriarchal structure embedded within his family dynamics. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing John Fiske’s semiotic analysis, which is structured into three levels: the Level of Reality (focusing on behavior and expression), the Level of Representation (analyzing camera shots and lighting), and the Level of Ideology (uncovering underlying ideological messages). Data was gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation. Through semiotic analysis, the study reveals both verbal and non-verbal signs, such as the characters' behaviors, expressions, and dialogues within the film. Toxic masculinity in Mr. Domu manifests in various ways, including his stubbornness, insistence on appearing strong, authoritarian attitude, refusal to be contradicted, and obsession with achieving high social status to earn respect. He also enforces emotional suppression, such as prohibiting expressions of sadness or crying, especially in front of his family. These behaviors are indicative of the harmful aspects of masculinity that are often misinterpreted, misused, and imposed upon others. Moreover, the film highlights an ideology of individualism, which tends to disregard the needs and desires of others.

Structural relationship among aggression, depression, smartphone dependency, and cyberbullying perpetration

This study aims to examine the structural relationship between aggression, depression, smartphone dependency, and cyberbullying perpetration in youth and explores gender differences in that relationship. We analyzed the 2nd wave data of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018 for middle school students. Structural equation modeling results showed that smartphone dependency partially mediated the relationship between aggression and cyberbullying perpetration (β = 0.050, p < 0.01). In contrast, smartphone dependency fully mediated the relationship between depression and cyberbullying perpetration (β = 0.029, p < 0.01). Aggression, depression, and smartphone dependency are the main predictors of cyberbullying perpetration. The effects of aggression and depression on cyberbullying perpetration were different through the mediator variable of smartphone dependency. The positive effect of aggression on smartphone dependency was twice greater in girls (Boys, B = 0.222, p < 0.001; Girls, B = 0.497, p < 0.001), and that of depression on smartphone dependency was three times greater in boys (Boys, B = 0.308, p < 0.001; Girls, B = 0.097, p < 0.05). These results were interpreted as reflecting the boys’ emotional suppression. Adolescent boys tend to suppress depression more than to express it according to the process of masculine emotional socialization. Various educational interventions are needed, such as providing cognitive behavioral therapy to convert adolescents’ relational aggression into a sound coping method considering girls’ sensitivity to relationships. Based on the findings, we present field-oriented practical considerations for improving our understanding of cyberbullying and preventing cyberbullying perpetration.

The relationship between emotional inhibition, emotional deprivation, failure, vulnerability to harm schema, and severity of symptoms among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

ObjectiveAssess the relationship between emotional inhibition, emotional deprivation, failure, vulnerability to harm schema, and severity of symptoms among obsessive-compulsive disorder.MethodsA descriptive correlational study was conducted on 30 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder who were recruited to complete the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire-Long Form.ResultsThe results of the study indicate that 66.6% of the 30 subjects exhibited high levels of OCD symptom severity, with a mean score of 33.20 ± 4.67. In terms of early maladaptive schemas, 60% of subjects displayed severe emotional deprivation, 66.7% showed severe emotional inhibition, and 83.3% had severe failure schemas. A strong positive correlation was found between failure schemas and OCD symptoms (r = 0.697, p < 0.001). However, what truly impressed the researchers was the predictive power of the failure schema. It was the only significant predictor of OCD symptoms (Beta = 0.992, p < 0.001), explaining 55.2% of the variance.ConclusionThe study underscores the crucial influence of early maladaptive schemas on the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It proposes that considering early maladaptive schemas, such as emotional self-awareness, failure, and vulnerability to harm, can aid in gauging the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. Moreover, the study’s findings are of significant importance to mental health professionals, researchers, and individuals involved in the treatment and management of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as they provide a deeper understanding of the condition and suggest practical approaches for its management.

Prediction of Illness Attitude Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: The present study was conducted to predict attitudes towards illness based on early maladaptive schemas and intolerance of uncertainty in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 62 patients with MS (72% of them were female). They were selected based on availability and voluntary participation. Data were collected through three questionnaires: the Illness Attitudes Scale, the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale, and the Yang Schema Questionnaire. Results: The mean age (±SD) of the participants and duration of diagnosis was 36.10±7.05 yr, and 4.21±3.78 yr, respectively. The results showed that 18 early maladaptive schemas, together with intolerance of uncertainty, can predict up to 8.9% of illness attitude in patients with MS. Among the early maladaptive schemas, schemas of emotional deprivation, social isolation-alienation, abandonment-instability, failure, dependence-underdeveloped self, vulnerability, trapped-victim, emotional inhibition, stubborn/fault-finding standards, self-control disciplinary, seeking attention-seeking approval, and negativity/pessimism had a significant relationship with attitudes towards illness (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and all its dimensions with attitudes towards illness (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Early maladaptive schemas and intolerance of uncertainty can predict illness attitudes in patients with MS. Patients with MS who have high intolerance of uncertainty are more likely to interpret ambiguous information as threatening. Therefore, effective interventions in the field of uncertainty intolerance for these patients can likely be effective in improving their attitudes towards illness and preventing the exacerbation of their symptoms.

Differences in Emotion Expression, Suppression, and Cardiovascular Consequences Between Black and White Americans in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study.

Recent theoretical work suggests the expression of emotions may differ among Black and White Americans, such that Black Americans engage more frequently in expressive suppression to regulate emotions and avoid conflict. Prior work has linked expressive suppression usage with increases in cardiovascular disease risk, suggesting that racialized differences in expressive suppression usage may be one mechanism by which racism "gets under the skin" and creates heath disparities. To examine racialized differences in expressive suppression and blood pressure (a measure of cardiovascular disease risk), we used self-report and facial electromyography (fEMG) data from two cohorts of Black and White Americans from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) longitudinal study (MIDUS 2, n = 271, 34.7% Black, collected from 2004-2009; MIDUS Refresher 1, n = 114, 31.6% Black, collected from 2012-2016; total N = 385, 33.9% Black). Black Americans reported engaging in expressive suppression more frequently than White Americans (t(260.95) = 2.18, p = .002) and showed less corrugator fEMG activity during negative images(t(969) = 2.38, pFDR = .026). Less corrugator activity during negative images was associated with higher systolic blood pressure only for Black Americans (b = -4.63, t(375) = 2.67, p = .008). Overall, results are consistent with theoretical accounts that Black Americans engage more frequently in expressive suppression, which in turn is related to higher cardiovascular risk. Additional research is needed to further test this claim, particularly in real-world contexts and self-reports of in-the-moment usage of expressive suppression.

Understanding Intensive Care Unit Family Caregivers' Vulnerability to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Impact of Neurotic Personality Traits, Emotional Suppression, and Perceptions of Unexpected Death.

Rationale: Family members of patients who die in an intensive care unit (ICU) are at heightened risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Not all surrogates develop these symptoms and heterogeneity exists in PTSD symptom clusters. Objectives: The study tested a personality model of PTSD symptoms in bereaved family caregivers of ICU patients. It was hypothesized that family members endorsing higher levels of neurotic personality traits would report higher levels of PTSD symptom clusters and that these associations would be explained by tendencies to view the patient's death as unexpected and to cope by suppressing their emotions. Methods: Participants were family members of ICU patients at an urban, academic medical center who either died or were discharged to an inpatient hospice unit. Participants were contacted for participation at least six months after the patient's death. Participants completed measures of personality, emotion regulation, and PTSD symptoms. Data were analyzed using path analysis. Results: Approximately one-third (35%) of the sample of 162 caregivers endorsed at-risk levels of PTSD. Individuals reporting higher levels of neurotic personality traits reported more PTSD symptoms (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). Perceptions that the patient death was unexpected partially explained the association of neuroticism with the intrusive re-experiencing PTSD symptoms (B = 0.45, p = 0.031). In contrast, emotional suppression partially explained the association of neuroticism with avoidance (B = 0.70, p = 0.010) and hyperarousal symptom clusters (B = 0.37, p = 0.041). Conclusions: Family vulnerability to PTSD after an ICU death can be conceptualized based on neurotic personality traits. Tendencies to view the patient's death as unexpected may contribute to intrusive thoughts and memories of the ICU experience. Individuals may avoid reminders and remain at heightened levels of arousal when they suppress their emotional experiences. Key Message: Family members who experience the death of a loved one following ICU treatment are vulnerable to PTSD symptoms. These reactions to ICU-related losses may be shaped by family members' personalities, expectations, and emotion regulation styles. Understanding these characteristics could inform family screening and intervention efforts in the ICU.

Holiday or hell? Emotion regulation and memory of depressive symptoms during lockdown.

The ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic provide an unparalleled context to examine how distressing events are remembered. Prior theory and research suggest that (a) distress during lockdowns may fade and be remembered as less distressing, or remain salient and be remembered as more distressing, than initially experienced and (b) emotional suppression and cognitive reappraisal may predict these memory biases. We test these possibilities by assessing depressive symptoms and emotion regulation during two lockdowns: at the start of the pandemic (Lockdown 2020) and 17 months later (Lockdown 2021) in a sample of parents with young children (N = 272). We assessed tracking accuracy, directional bias, and projection bias in memory of depressive symptoms in Lockdown 2020, and the moderating role of emotion regulation at the time of encoding (Lockdown 2020) and recall (Lockdown 2021). People experiencing more depressive symptoms later in the pandemic (2021) remembered the start of the pandemic (2020) to involve more depressive symptoms than initially experienced (projection bias). People engaging in greater emotional suppression at recall (2021) were less likely to project their current depressive symptoms onto memory of the prior lockdown (lower projection bias) and remembered feeling lower depressive symptoms than initially experienced (underestimation directional bias). By contrast, people engaging in cognitive reappraisal at recall (2021) remembered feeling greater depressive symptoms than they initially experienced (overestimation directional bias). These unexpected results indicate that emotion regulation may shape memory of emotion during real-life challenges differently than patterns observed in lab-based research and may reflect helpful coping with life events. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Strengthening the military stoic tradition: enhancing resilience in military service members and public safety personnel through functional disconnection and reconnection.

This paper addresses operational stress injuries (OSIs) among military service members (SM) and public safety personnel (PSP) resulting from prolonged exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs). While psychotherapeutic interventions for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) are well established, there is a significant gap in evidence-based mental health training programs addressing proactive mitigation of negative outcomes from PPTEs. Building on the Functional Disconnection/Functional Reconnection (FD/FR) model, we introduce FD/FR 2, emphasizing early identification and management of psychological risks. FD/FR 2 discusses the practice of emotional suppression, or "pseudo-stoicism," and its potential negative impact on mental health. By integrating authentic Stoic principles, FD/FR 2 offers practical exercises to enhance resilience and well-being, addressing a critical need in current training approaches for military SM and PSP.

Abstract B156: Exploring identity-specific stressors among Black women with a family history of cancer

Abstract Background: Compared to women of other racial/ethnic groups, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive subtypes of breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer), diagnosed at younger ages, diagnosed at more advanced stages, and have higher mortality rates and poorer survival outcomes. Black women also experience higher rates of breast cancer recurrence, which further exacerbates the survival disparities. These disparities are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and social factors, including chronic stress and discrimination. Understanding identity-specific stressors will help identify potential risk factors impacting breast cancer outcomes among Black women.Objective: This study aims to identify common stressors among Black women aged 18 to 49 with a family history of cancer, exploring potential links to breast health risk. Methods: We conducted a grounded theory study, including qualitative interviews from Black women in the Augusta, Georgia, area (N=47) discussing life as a Black woman and sources of stress. Participants with a close family history of cancer (defined as having at least one first- or second-degree relative diagnosed with cancer) were selected for this analysis (n=22). We applied the Sort &amp; Sift, Think &amp; Shift method for analysis. Results: We identified three categories in response to the research question, including healthcare access barriers and medical invalidation (particularly in rural communities), intergenerational trauma, and Strong Black Woman persona (characterized by independence, emotional suppression, and a tendency to care for others while neglecting their own needs). Participants described these categories in reference to themselves and their female family members with cancer. Participants reported stress related to jobs and caregiving responsibilities, lack of adequate social support, lack of time and finances necessary for self-care, and racial discrimination in medical settings. Conclusion: The identified stressors highlight the complex interplay between familial cancer history and daily stress experiences among Black women. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to mitigate stress and potentially reduce breast cancer risk. Further research is warranted to explore these themes in relation to breast cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Samantha R. Jones, Debbynie Barsh, Kathleen McIntyre, Christy J.W. Ledford. Exploring identity-specific stressors among Black women with a family history of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B156.

Teachers’ daily positive and negative affect and their relationship with teachers’ emotion regulation strategies and daily work engagement – results of a diary study among team teachers

AbstractTeam teaching as a close form of teacher collaboration entails frequent interactions between the team-teaching partners in the classroom. During these interactions, the team teachers experience a variety of positive and negative emotions, triggered by their team partner. The teachers may express or suppress these emotions, depending on their habitual use of these emotion regulation strategies. In turn, the teachers’ daily emotions may be related to an important facet of teacher well-being, namely their daily work engagement. This study aims to investigate the related factors (habitual emotion regulation, daily work engagement) of team teachers’ daily positive and negative emotions triggered by the team partner in the classroom. Forty-seven Austrian team teachers working in secondary education completed a daily diary study, consisting of 15 diary entries, measuring their habitual emotion expression and suppression strategies, their daily positive and negative affect and daily work engagement. Multilevel regression analyses were conducted. Results show that positive and negative affect and work engagement vary substantially within and between team teachers. Random-intercept fixed-slope multilevel models indicate that the habitual use of authentic display of positive emotions is associated with daily positive affect, and teachers’ daily positive and negative affect significantly relate to their daily work engagement both on the within- and between-person level. This study underscores the important role that team teachers’ emotional experiences play regarding their work engagement. We draw theoretical and practical implications for the role of emotions during team-teaching practices.

Alcohol use and dysfunctional beliefs in students

The article presents the results of a study of dysfunctional beliefs of senior medical university students who consume alcohol (199 people in total). To diagnose patterns of alcohol use, the corresponding fragment of the M.I.N.I. 5.0.0 questionnaire was used. Dysfunctional beliefs were diagnosed by means of an adapted version of Jeffrey Young’s YSQ. Statistical data analysis was performed using the computer program STATISTICA 5.0. At the time of the study, 66.8% of the sample consumed alcohol with varying regularity (the study group), while 33.2% did not drink alcohol (the control group). Compared with the control group, the study group showed significantly higher values for the following deep beliefs: helplessness, unattractiveness, suppression of emotions and needs.

The effect of applying emotional intelligence components on coping strategies in adolescents with beta-thalassemia major: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThalassemia is one of the most common genetic disorders. Patients with beta-thalassemia major confront serious clinical and psychosocial challenges in their all lives, which require coping strategies. It appears that psychological interventions are necessary to improve their coping skills. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of applying emotional intelligence components on coping strategies in adolescents with beta- thalassemia major.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial study involved 60 teenagers with beta- thalassemia major who were divided equally into intervention and control groups. The experimental group participated in 9 sessions of an emotional intelligence program consisting of 90 min, held both virtually and in person, two sessions per week. We investigated problem-focused and emotion-focused (including positive emotion-focused and negative emotion-focused) coping strategies of both groups of adolescents using the Billings and Moos questionnaire before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Then, according to the research objectives, independent t-tests, Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni test were used.ResultsIn experimental group, the mean score of problem-focused (problem-solving, cognitive evaluation) and positive emotion-focused (social support) coping increased from (14.2 ± 2.6) and (5.0 ± 0.5) before the intervention to (29.6 ± 3.1) and (10.9 ± 1.3) one month after the intervention, respectively (P < 0.001). However, the mean score of emotional inhibition and somatic inhibition (negative emotion-focused) decreased from (13.8 ± 1.7) and (6.7 ± 1.5) before the intervention to (8.6 ± 2.0) and (3.8 ± 1.8) one month after the intervention, respectively (P < 0.001). While the mean score of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies before and one month after the intervention remained stable in the control group.ConclusionsAdolescents with beta-thalassemia suffer from psychosocial disorders and they also cope maladaptive with their illness. Applying emotional intelligence has improved their coping strategies. Caregivers should be encouraged to assess coping skills in teenagers with beta-thalassemia major and use methods such as emotional intelligence to improve them. Therefore, it can help these adolescents to deal effectively with stress and complications of the disease.Trial registration numberIRCT20210521051356N1 (17/06/2021).

Navigating the battlefield within: Exploring the interplay of political armed conflict, mental health, and emotion regulation

The study explored the intricate relationship between political armed conflict, mental health outcomes, and emotion regulation strategies, focusing on cognitive reappraisal and emotion suppression. Drawing on extensive literature, we examined the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and anxiety. Using data from a nationally representative sample of 517 Israeli adults surveyed four weeks after the October 7 war began, we conducted path analysis to examine the direct and indirect effects of conflict exposure on mental health outcomes mediated by emotion regulation. Cognitive reappraisal was positively associated with well-being, while emotion suppression was linked to higher levels of PTSS and anxiety and lower levels of well-being. Subjective exposure to war events was associated with higher levels of anxiety and PTSS, and cognitive reappraisal served as a protective factor for overall well-being. We also observed ethnicity, age, and gender differences in exposure levels and mental health outcomes. Emotion regulation emerges as a crucial factor in navigating the psychological challenges posed by war exposure, with cognitive reappraisal associated with positive mental health outcomes and emotion suppression linked to adverse effects.

Evidence of Internal Structure Validity, Measurement Invariance, Convergent Validity, Clinical Validity, and Reliability of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool in Peruvian Women.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common type of violence committed against women and results in serious personal, familial, social, and economic consequences; thus, there is a need to detect IPV early. One test for detecting IPV is the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST). The objective of the study was to obtain evidence of the validity of the WAST in terms of its internal structure, measurement invariance, convergent validity, clinical validity, and reliability. A total of 670 women who have or have had a heterosexual relationship participated in the study. The first stage included 513 adult women who partook of health services (M age = 35.5 years, SD age = 10 years). The second stage included 160 women, 80 diagnosed with IPV (M age = 34.2 years, SD age = 11.8 years) and 80 who were not (M age = 31.8 years, SD age = 11.5 years). We used multivariate and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. We found evidence that the WAST demonstrates a one-dimensional structure; evidence of measurement invariance regarding cohabitation with the partner, length of the relationship, and age; evidence of convergent validity in terms of correlations with emotional dependence, self-compassion, expressive suppression, anxiety, and depression; and evidence of clinical validity in terms of the high probability of detecting positive cases of IPV. These properties support the use of the WAST for detecting possible cases of IPV, which will allow timely intervention. This instrument can also be used in larger studies on IPV in the Spanish-speaking population.