The present study tested a theoretical model of emotion regulation (Yap, Sheeber, & Allen, 2007) in a sample of Asian American and European American college students (N = 365). Specifically, the mediating role of anger suppression in the effect of temperament and family processes on depressive symptoms was tested across race and levels of interdependent self-construal (a culturally based self orientation emphasizing connectedness with others). Next, the moderation of the suppression-depression relation was tested by race and interdependent self-construal. Results indicated that the hypothesized model fit well across Asian American and European American students as well as those with high vs. low levels of interdependent self-construal. Anger suppression was a significant mediator of the hypothesized indirect effects on depressive symptoms. Moreover, race and interdependent self-construal moderated the suppressiondepression link, such that Asian American status and a stronger interdependent self-construal attenuated the relation between anger suppression and depressive symptoms. Understanding both universal and culture-specific aspects of emotion regulation in the development of depressive symptoms will be essential for sound theory, future research, and effective prevention and intervention efforts across diverse populations. Keywords emotion regulation; anger suppression; depressive symptoms; Asian American college students; interdependent self-construal Emotion dysregulation is a central feature of psychological disorders and has gained increasing scientific attention in attempts to better understand the development of psychopathology (P. M. Cole, Martin, & Dennis, 2004). Emotion suppression is one common form of "unhealthy emotion regulation" (John & Gross, 2004). Habitual suppressors experience more negative emotions, less positive emotions, and feelings of inauthenticity (Gross & John, 2003). In terms of psychological maladjustment and wellbeing, suppression is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of life satisfaction (Gross & John, 2003). Suppression is also associated with less social support (Gross & John, 2003), decreased cognitive resources (Gross & Levenson, 1997), Correspondence Commenting this article should be addressed to Irene J. K. Park, Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556. ikim1@nd.edu. Publisher's Disclaimer: The following manuscript is the final accepted manuscript. It has not been subjected to the final copyediting, fact-checking, and proofreading required for formal publication. It is not the definitive, publisher-authenticated version. The American Psychological Association and its Council of Editors disclaim any responsibility or liabilities for errors or omissions of this manuscript version, any version derived from this manuscript by NIH, or other third parties. The published version is available at www.apa.org/pubs/journals/cdp.
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