The concept of relational suppression refers to the act of ignoring or suppressing one's own desires, needs, and feelings in relation to another person. This can be intentional or unintentional and may involve either physical or mental activity.
An individual who wants to express their love but fears rejection may consciously choose to remain silent about it. On the other hand, someone might feel pressure from society or family members to conceal their sexual orientation. Whatever the reason for this action, the results are often detrimental to cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
Let's examine how relational suppression affects cognitive performance. When people engage in self-suppression, they are essentially denying a part of themselves that is essential for optimal functioning. The brain needs to process these thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to maintain balance and function correctly. When an individual consistently rejects themself - whether physically or mentally - it can lead to decreased levels of dopamine, which is associated with motivation and reward processing. It can also cause the prefrontal cortex to become less effective, resulting in difficulties with executive functions such as attention, working memory, and decision-making.
This can result in impaired overall cognitive abilities and even brain damage.
Relational suppression has a profound effect on emotional regulation. Individuals who constantly repress their desires may experience increased stress and anxiety, leading to negative mood states like depression or anger. They may struggle to express their true feelings, even towards those whom they care deeply about, creating a sense of isolation and loneliness. This is because when we suppress our emotions, we are not allowing ourselves to fully experience them, which means we cannot properly process them. As a result, they build up inside us until we eventually explode or implode in destructive ways. In addition, this constant state of dishonesty can take its toll on relationships by creating trust issues and leading to conflict.
While some individuals may feel that avoiding certain situations will protect them from harm, the consequences of relational suppression are severe. Not only does it impair cognitive performance but also damages emotional well-being.
Being authentic and open is crucial for healthy development and meaningful connections. By embracing all parts of ourselves - including our sexuality, intimacy needs, and desire for closeness - we can foster stronger relationships with others while maintaining positive mental and physical health.
What are the consequences of relational suppression for cognitive performance and emotional regulation?
Relational suppression can have various consequences on both cognitive performance and emotional regulation. It has been found that individuals who suppress their feelings may experience difficulties with memory retrieval, problem-solving abilities, and attention span. This is due to the fact that suppressing thoughts requires more effort than allowing them to surface, which leads to cognitive fatigue and depletion of mental resources.