New Delhi: Nearly four in ten urban college students are holding back their emotions in ways that increase psychological distress, a multi-city study has found. The research shows that 42% report medium to high levels of emotional suppression — a coping pattern linked to higher anxiety and depression.The study, published in Scientific Reports, was conducted between July and November 2023 and surveyed 1,628 students aged 18–29 across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad.The findings come at a time when concerns over student mental health and emotional regulation have intensified, with experts warning that persistent psychological distress, if left unaddressed, can increase vulnerability to severe mental health outcomes, including self-harm. While the study does not directly examine suicide, lead author Suresh Kakollu from SRM University-AP said poor emotion regulation is a recognised risk factor in broader mental health crises if left unaddressed.Explaining the concept, Prof Rajesh Sagar from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS New Delhi said, “Suppression is a conscious and deliberate effort to hold back emotions, whereas repression is unconscious. Suppressing emotions is an unhealthy way of coping and can lead to anxiety, depression and even physical symptoms like headaches and body aches.”The study found that emotional suppression was strongly associated with higher anxiety, depressive symptoms and poorer emotional control. Students who relied on this coping style also reported lower life satisfaction and overall psychological well-being.In contrast, those who used “cognitive reappraisal” — reframing stressful situations in a balanced way — showed better emotional control and stronger well-being. However, younger students aged 18–20 were less likely to use this healthier strategy compared to those aged 21–24.A clear gender gap emerged. Female students reported higher anxiety, depression and psychological distress than male students. Although women used cognitive reappraisal more often, their overall well-being scores remained lower.Prof Sagar said fear of judgment often prevents young people from opening up. “Many feel expressing emotions will be seen as weakness. Families and institutions must create a positive environment where young people feel safe to express themselves.”He cautioned that the post-Covid context should be considered while interpreting the findings, as that period was marked by isolation and heightened uncertainty. However, he stressed that encouraging emotional expression remains essential for healthy development.Regional differences were also observed. Students in Hyderabad reported lower use of both major emotion regulation strategies, while those in Chennai showed higher levels of both suppression and reappraisal. Participants from eastern India were less likely to use cognitive reappraisal compared to their western counterparts.The authors recommend structured emotional skills training in colleges, early screening for distress and stronger mental health support systems, warning that unaddressed emotional strain could have long-term public health implications.
