The Effectiveness of a Cultural Specific Intervention in Victims Silenced by the War: An Emotion Regulation Perspective

This study assesses the efficacy of a group intervention in altering emotion regulation processes and coping and promoting adjustment in poli-victimized women in Colombia. Sample was comprised by 100 women who suffered political violence during the armed conflict in Colombia and are participating within The Ruta Pacifica de Mujeres (a feminist organization). Using a repeated measure pre (n= 100) - post-test design (n=98) and a control group (n=100 women not participating with the RPM), we first evaluate the role of emotions in conflict situations and analyze emotion regulation processes involved in coping. Furthermore, we assessed a social-psychological intervention effectiveness focusing on the coping and emotional regulation training. The intervention included 3 sessions, training in coping and recognition and expression of self-emotions, and exercises promoting social support through the RPM. Emotion regulation processes and adjustment were assessed at baseline and 2 weeks later corresponding with the end of the intervention. At 2 weeks, intervention participants (compared to the control group) reported greater increase in the use of instrumental coping strategies. They use more social support, and instrumental actions for coping with the situation, but also positive reappraisal, venting and confrontation. In contrast they showed a greater decrease in emotional suppression and rumination, suggesting that the intervention had a delayed impact on these tendencies. The findings suggest an emotion regulation intervention can positively influence emotional experiences and regulation in comparison with control group, and thus promote the emotional expression of silenced violence.