To Express or not to Express? The Relationship between Satisfaction with Life, Ambivalence over Emotional Expression and Social Relationships

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP15.21

Authors: Lim Jia Li and Gabriel Tan

Abstract:

In this study, we seek to explore the associations between ambivalence over emotional expression, social relations and life satisfaction in Singapore populations. Ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) refers to “the desire to express one’s emotions, yet fear the consequences of doing so” which extends beyond the idea of expression. It focuses on the discrepancy between the desired form of expression and the actual expressed/withheld emotion. This is in line with the theory of life satisfaction in which one assess his or her level of satisfaction with life circumstances based on a self-imposed set of criteria. Results from 159 National University of Singapore participants indicated that Ambivalence over Emotional Expression is associated with lower life satisfaction and worse social relationships (i.e. social isolation, social support etc.). Satisfaction with life, AEE and the quality of social relationships varies across different relationships (i.e. intimate partners, parents, siblings etc.). In addition, social isolation mediated the relationship between AEE and satisfaction with life. The results suggests a beneficial effect of focusing on the ambivalence aspect of emotional expression when adopting an emotion focused approach in clinical settings among Asian populations.

Keywords: Ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE), life satisfaction, social relationships, social isolation