Effects of Positive and Negative Affect and Emotional Suppression on Short-term Life Satisfaction and Depression

Relationships between emotional experiences and health/adjustment are influenced by many variables, with emotional suppression (ES) being one of the most influential. In the current study, we examined the effects of affect and ES on short-term life satisfaction (LS) and depression. We also considered the dimension of activation status for both positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). The final sample included data collected from 131 undergraduates (66 men and 65 women). Participants answered five questionnaires to assess activated and deactivated PA and NA, ES, short-term LS, and depression on three occasions separated by approximately five weeks. In each case, the questionnaires determined experiences over the previous week. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that ES was positively associated with short-term LS in women, with no ES x affect interaction. Also, in women, deactivated PA was positively associated with short-term LS, while deactivated NA was negatively associated with short-term LS. With respect to depression, no significant findings were obtained. Limitations of this study, along with the necessity of interventional methods in future research, are discussed.departmental bulletin pape