Repressive Coping and Negative Events: Emotional Processing of Difficult Events through Narrative

Abstract

This study used narratives of difficult life events in combination with a daily sampling method to understand repressive coping on daily and long term levels. The connections between repressive coping, transformational processing (as defined by growth, exploration, and positive ending), and well-being were explored to see if repressive coping had an effect on well-being or an individual's narrative identity. Coping strategies for daily negative events were examined to see if repressors utilized specific strategies for daily coping. Results indicated that there was no correlation between growth or exploration and repressive coping, although there was a positive correlation for positive ending mediated by a lack of thought by negative events. However, against all hypotheses, repressive coping was significantly correlated with all measured forms of well-being. Finally, repressive coping was negatively correlated with all coping strategies, indicating an overall lack of processing of negative events.