How to Regulate Emotions Without Suppressing Them offers research-backed alternatives like cognitive reappraisal .
You know you are upset but choose to ignore it to focus on a task, like staying calm during a presentation .
According to experts at 7 Cups , suppression works best as a temporary tool when paired with a "return plan" : suppress
What Is Suppression? covers the paradoxical effects of forcing thoughts away .
In psychology, is the conscious and voluntary act of pushing unwanted thoughts or emotions out of your awareness . While often viewed as a harmful way to "bottle things up," recent research and clinical practice suggest its effectiveness depends heavily on how and when it is used. 1. The Conflict: Is Suppression Good or Bad? How to Regulate Emotions Without Suppressing Them offers
Acknowledge the feeling privately (e.g., "I am feeling very angry right now") even if you can't express it publicly .
A 2023 University of Cambridge study found that training people to suppress fearful thoughts actually reduced their anxiety and improved mental health . covers the paradoxical effects of forcing thoughts away
Traditionally, suppression was thought to be universally maladaptive due to the "rebound effect"—the idea that the more you try to ignore a thought (like a "white bear"), the more frequently it returns . However, perspective is shifting: