Key Factors Contributing to Emotional Suppression in Male Adolescents
Keywords:
emotional suppression, male adolescents, qualitative research, Pakistan, gender norms, emotional socialization, family dynamicsAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore the key sociocultural, familial, emotional, and intrapersonal factors contributing to emotional suppression in male adolescents in Pakistan.
Methods and Materials: Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 male adolescents aged 14 to 18 years from urban and semi-urban areas of Pakistan. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews, lasting 45 to 60 minutes, focused on adolescents’ experiences and beliefs related to emotional expression and suppression. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis, supported by NVivo software to identify and organize recurring themes and subthemes.
Findings: Analysis revealed four main themes: sociocultural expectations, family dynamics, emotional socialization, and intrapersonal factors. Subthemes included gender role pressure, family honor, authoritarian parenting, emotional neglect, school environment, media influence, fear of vulnerability, and habitual suppression. Adolescents consistently reported suppressing emotions due to cultural expectations of masculinity, fear of peer ridicule, lack of parental emotional support, and internalized beliefs about strength and emotional control. Many participants described emotional suppression as both a learned behavior and a protective mechanism, often resulting in emotional fatigue and confusion.
Conclusion: Emotional suppression in male adolescents is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in cultural, familial, and psychological contexts. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive emotional education, supportive family environments, and school-based interventions that challenge harmful gender norms and promote emotional expression and well-being in adolescent boys.
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