The Neuropsychological Consequences of Anger Suppression: A Review of Sex Differences and Clinical Implications

Anger suppression is a common coping mechanism used by individuals to manage anger-related emotions. However, chronic anger suppression has been linked to various negative health outcomes, including increased stress, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the neuropsychological effects of anger suppression in men and women, with a focus on sex differences and clinical implications. A comprehensive review of existing studies reveals that both men and women exhibit altered neural activity patterns when suppressing anger, including increased activation in the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. However, sex differences emerge in the neural mechanisms underlying anger suppression, with women showing greater activation in the prefrontal cortex and reduced activity in the amygdala, and men showing increased activation in the basal ganglia and reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that men and women employ different neural strategies to regulate anger, with implications for the development of sex-specific interventions. Furthermore, chronic anger suppression has been linked to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in both sexes, but with a greater impact on women's mental health. This review highlights the importance of considering sex differences in the neuropsychological effects of anger suppression and emphasizes the need for clinicians to develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs of men and women. By synthesizing the existing literature, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the neuropsychological consequences of anger suppression and inform the development of effective treatments for anger-related disorders.