Psychosocial and Cognitive Dimensions of Emotional Silence: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Emotional silence, defined as the deliberate suppression of emotions during moments of vulnerability or dissent is an important but underexplored phenomenon in mental health research. Understanding its psychosocial and cognitive dimensions is essential for addressing its long-term implications on individual well-being and interpersonal relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 336 participants across India. The tool assessed five dimensions of emotional silence: Surface behaviour, justification, fear of perception, identity fragility, and emotional risk. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing, associations, and correlation analysis. Results: Fear of perception (M = 3.84, SD = 0.81) and emotional risk (M = 3.72, SD = 0.77) were identified as the strongest parameter of suppression. The overall reliability of the tool was high (α = 0.83). Significant associations were observed between suppression risk and education, occupation, marital status, and trauma history (p < 0.05). No associations were found with gender or prior emotional training. Correlation analysis identified strong interdependence between dimensions, particularly between fear of perception and identity fragility (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Emotional silence is a multidimensional and cognitive process, results from social context and personal vulnerabilities. This study proposed a conceptual framework, Pyramid of Emotional Silence to understand the dynamics of silence. Interventions that promote psychological safety and promote healthy emotional expression may help mitigate the negative impacts of suppression on mental health and relationships. Keywords: Silence, emotion suppression, psychosocial dimensions, identity fragility, fear of perception, emotional risk, psychological safety