The Repression Sensitization Scale (RSS) is a psychometric tool used in psychological research and clinical assessment to measure individuals' tendencies to suppress or amplify their emotional experiences and expressions. It is a self-report questionnaire that assesses an individual's style of coping with distressing feelings and thoughts.
The RSS consists of a set of statements, and individuals are asked to rate the extent to which each statement applies to them. The scale measures two main dimensions: repression and sensitization. Repression refers to the tendency to inhibit or repress emotions and thoughts, leading to a reduced awareness or expression of distress. In contrast, sensitization pertains to the inclination to amplify or intensify emotional experiences and expressions, resulting in heightened awareness and expression of distress.
Individuals who score high on the repression dimension tend to exhibit emotional restraint, inhibit their thoughts and feelings, and may have difficulty recognizing or acknowledging their own distress. On the other hand, individuals scoring high on the sensitization dimension tend to be hypersensitive, experiencing emotional turmoil more intensely, and displaying exaggerated emotional responses.
The RSS has been widely used in research studies examining various psychological phenomena, such as coping strategies, personality traits, psychopathology, and stress response. It provides valuable insight into an individual's adaptive or maladaptive coping styles, shedding light on their emotional well-being and psychological functioning. The scale can be helpful in clinical settings, aiding therapists and psychologists in assessing and understanding the coping strategies employed by their clients, and tailoring interventions accordingly.
