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What view of intense emotions such as anger and rage is supported by research?

a) Suppression is healthy
b) Expression is healthy
c) Both suppression and expression are healthy
d) Neither suppression nor expression is healthy

User Nicotine
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Research suggests that neither pure suppression nor uncontrolled expression of intense emotions like anger and rage is healthy, but a balanced approach to emotion regulation can be beneficial.

Step-by-step explanation:

Research on emotions such as anger and rage indicates that neither suppression nor uncontrolled expression is entirely healthy. Studies like those by Suls & Bunde (2005) and others suggest that anger and hostility can be risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly when such emotions are suppressed. Consistently suppressing or failing to manage anger can substantially elevate the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, the uncontrolled expression of anger can lead to social strife and can lay the groundwork for disease-promoting cardiovascular responses.

Therefore, what research supports is a nuanced approach to emotion regulation, where neither extreme pure suppression nor outright expression is deemed healthy. Techniques such as metacognition, reflecting on the sources and management of emotions, are advocated for handling intense emotions in a way that can promote psychological and physical health, without the negative impacts of anger and hostility.

User Mindan
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