Psychology

Suppressing one’s emotions: a hidden cost to health and longevity

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Illustration symbolique de la répression émotionnelle et de son impact sur la santé

An American study reported this week by several psychology-focused media brings back to the forefront a solid finding: systematically suppressing one's emotions would have a measurable cost on health, even shortening life expectancy. Conducted jointly by researchers at Harvard, the University of Rochester and Columbia, the survey followed nearly 730 American adults for twelve years, with results that call into question our daily relationship to difficult feelings.

What the study reveals

The researchers measured, in each participant, the tendency to suppress the expression of their emotions rather than to express them or regulate them in other ways. Twelve years later, people in the most “suppressive” quartile of the sample had a 35% higher risk of death from all causes than those who inhibited their feelings the least. The risk of death from cancer was 70% higher, and that related to cardiovascular disease was 47% higher. These results, originally published in the journal Health Psychology, continue to feed the scientific literature on the link between emotion regulation and physical health, and regularly resurface in the psychology press as new studies come to confirm or nuance them.

Why emotional suppression takes a toll on the body

The authors specify that this is an observational study: it establishes a statistical association, not proof that “suppressing” alone causes illness. Several mechanisms are nevertheless put forward by specialists to explain this link:

  • A constant cognitive effort to hide one's emotions would keep the nervous system in a prolonged state of alert, promoting chronic stress.
  • Repeated suppression would limit the use of more protective coping strategies, such as talking about it or reframing the situation.
  • Unexpressed tensions would often translate into sleep disturbances, higher blood pressure and low-grade inflammation, factors already associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Practical approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all manual

Psychologists emphasize: the goal is not to externalize everything constantly, but to prevent suppression from becoming a systematic reflex. Naming what you feel, even internally, talking to a loved one or seeking help when distress persists are documented levers for regaining better balance. Our Fitness & Well-being section regularly offers practical guidance on these topics, as does our Health & Medicine area for more clinical questions. People who wish to deepen their understanding of the mechanisms of emotion regulation can also consult our articles dedicated to psychology in everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

Does suppressing your emotions necessarily make you ill?

No. The study establishes a statistical association over a population followed for twelve years, not an automatic cause-and-effect relationship. Other factors (genetics, lifestyle, social environment) also intervene in mortality risk.

What is the difference between regulating and suppressing your emotions?

Regulating involves recognizing an emotion and adjusting your response in an appropriate way; suppressing involves systematically preventing its expression without dealing with it. It is this repeated and rigid suppression that is associated with the highest risks.

Should you seek help if you have difficulty expressing your emotions?

If this difficulty becomes long-lasting and affects sleep, mood or relationships, psychological support can help identify strategies more protective than pure suppression.

Sources

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Jeanne Talleau
Jeanne Talleau
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