iz

Literature at large highlights the importance of emotional regulation in normal functioning. To identify the emotional regulation strategies employed by individuals experiencing symptoms of different psychopathologies and to explore the differences across gender. Present study followed cross sectional research design. Data was collected from different psychiatry units of Lahore. A sample of 280 individuals was selected through non probability purposive sampling. Participants were divided in 3 main groups namely neurotic problems (n= 141), psychotic problems (n= 83) and substance abuse problems (n= 56) based on their reported symptoms and diagnosis. Detailed demographic form, Emotional regulation questionnaire and Brief symptom inventory were used to study the research variables. There were observed to be significant differences in use of emotional regulation strategies across 3 psychiatric groups as participants in neurotic group scored highest on reappraisal compared to those in psychotic group who scored lowest. Female participants scored high on suppression compared to male participants who scored higher on reappraisal. Individuals experiencing symptoms of less severe psychological disorders used emotional regulation based on reappraisal instead of using strategies based on emotional suppression compared to those who experience more severe psychological disorders. Men and women differed significantly in using strategies to manage their emotions.

Keywords: Emotional Regulation, Psychopathologies, Emotional Suppression, Reappraisal, Gender Differences.