Emotional control and social connection in U.S. students: A therapy analog study

Introduction: A strong therapeutic relationship is frequently characterized by emotional intimacy between the client and therapist and enhances client outcomes. Emotional control– the tendency to suppress or avoid the expression of emotions—may affect the development of a strong therapeutic alliance. This study examined how emotional control influences the process of developing intimacy and resulting interpersonal connection in a therapy analog among young adults in the United States. Method: University students (N = 83; M age = 19.88; SD age = 3.37) completed a measure of emotional control and participated in a therapy analog with a research assistant. Participants rated their interpersonal connection with the research assistant at pre- and post-test. Results: Emotional control moderated changes in connection; stronger tendencies toward emotional control were associated with greater changes in feeling connection with the research assistant. Discussion: Emotionally validating therapeutic interactions may be helpful for individuals who attempt to avoid expression of emotions.