Could the suppression of sensual expression reflect the suppression of anger or grief toward authority figures? In this essay, I will explore this question from different angles to understand if there is a relationship between these emotions and their expression through sensual activity. Let's begin by examining what sensual expression means. Sensual expression can be defined as the display or performance of one's feelings about oneself or another through physical contact, including hugging, kissing, touching, caressing, stroking, cuddling, holding hands, body language, dancing, etc. It can also refer to verbal communication, such as sharing personal thoughts, confessions, secrets, desires, fantasies, dreams, hopes, fears, or wishes. These forms of communication are often suppressed in certain social contexts due to cultural norms, family values, religious beliefs, societal expectations, peer pressure, and other factors. When people cannot express themselves freely without being judged or reprimanded for it, they may become frustrated, angry, depressed, anxious, or even aggressive. They might try to cope with these unexpressed feelings by substituting them with other activities that are considered acceptable, like working out or watching TV.
This can lead to a buildup of negative energy and emotions that eventually find an outlet in destructive behaviors.
Some studies suggest that adolescents who experience sexual abuse or assault tend to act out violently toward others or themselves later on. This could indicate that anger or grief toward authority figures has been transformed into rage towards society at large. Another possible explanation is that suppression leads to repression, whereby the person ignores their feelings altogether and denies them. Repression can cause psychological distress and disrupt normal functioning, leading to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In summary, sensual expression may be a way to release anger or grief towards authority figures, but its suppression can have significant consequences for individuals' well-being and behavior.
Could the suppression of sensual expression reflect the suppression of anger or grief toward authority figures?
The suppression of sensual expression may not necessarily be related to suppressing feelings of anger or grief towards authority figures. It could instead stem from different cultural norms, values, personal experiences, or upbringing that influence an individual's way of expressing themselves.