The Effect of Anger Suppression by Persuasion from Others on Anger Rumination: Comparison of Self and Others Based on Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

Using the self-determination theory as the basis, this study examined the differences in the effects of two modes of anger suppression—self-initiated and externally induced persuasion—on the subscale of anger rumination. Eighty-seven university students were first asked to recall hypothetical situations where angersuppression occurred and then complete a survey using the anger rumination scale. Results of multilevel structural equation modeling indicated that memory of anger was higher when the anger was suppressed due to external persuasion compared to scenarios where it was suppressed by the individuals themselves. Therefore, self-determination is an effective approach to anger suppression that does not contribute to an increase in experience