Facets of Emotional Dysregulation and Their Relationships with Worry and Social Anxiety

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between facets of emotional dysregulation (intensity of emotions, suppression of emotional expression, negative reactivity to emotions, and maladaptive management of emotions), and worry and social anxiety. Questionnaires were completed by 186 students. After controlling for social anxiety, worry was specifically related to maladaptive emotion management. After controlling for worry, social anxiety was specifically related to reduced positive emotional intensity and higher suppression of emotional expression. Other facets of emotional dysregulation (negative emotional intensity and negative reactivity to emotions) were related to both worry and social anxiety. The results are consistent with the findings from previous studies. They extend the literature by showing the effect of expression suppression on social anxiety and the role of valence in emotional intensity.