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Elderly PersonNCT07122817

Emotional Suppression in Elderly Individuals

An observational study of Elderly Person, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The world's population is aging, and the proportion of individuals aged 60 and over is rapidly increasing. With aging, the prevalence of both physical and psychological health problems increases, negatively impacting quality of life. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Elderly Person
What is being tested?
Assessment
How many people
106 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Sep 2025to 31 Mar 2026
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Older adult

Study population: Individuals over 65 years of age who can independently carry out daily living activities and whose cognitive level is sufficient to understand and answer the surveys and tests in the study.

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals aged 65 and over,
  • Individuals who can independently carry out their daily living activities,
  • Those with a cognitive level sufficient to understand and answer the surveys and tests in the study (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] ≥ 24),
  • Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form.

Who cannot join

  • Individuals with a history of serious neurological (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia), psychiatric (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), or cardiopulmonary disease;
  • Those with a history of acute injury, trauma, or surgery (within the last 6 months) that could affect pain perception or physical performance;
  • Those who regularly use opioids or strong analgesic medications for pain;
  • Individuals who are unable to complete assessment tests due to profound hearing or vision loss;
  • Individuals diagnosed with severe depression and/or receiving active psychotherapy/psychiatric treatment;
  • Individuals with physical or cognitive limitations that prevent them from completing surveys and performance tests.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Istinye University

    Istanbul, 34010

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Effects Of Emotional Suppression on Pain Perception and Physical Performance in Elderly Individuals

The world's population is aging, and the proportion of individuals aged 60 and over is rapidly increasing. With aging, the prevalence of both physical and psychological health problems increases, negatively impacting quality of life. Chronic musculoskeletal pain, one of the most common health problems among older individuals, limits their daily activities and reduces their functional independence. Chronic pain is a complex experience that interacts not only with biological but also with psychological and social factors.

In this context, an individual's emotional regulation strategies play a crucial role in understanding the pain experience. Emotional suppression, in particular, is defined as the conscious suppression or inability to express one's emotions. This strategy has been reported to be associated with increased psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and pain sensitivity in the long term. Individuals who suppress their emotions have been shown to perceive pain as more threatening and develop more negative coping strategies.

Read more

Furthermore, cognitive tendencies such as pain catastrophizing, combined with emotional suppression, appear to increase an individual's psychological response to pain, impacting both pain intensity and psychological pain sensitivity. Such negative emotional regulation strategies can lead to increased pain perception and avoidance of physical activity, resulting in decreased physical performance.

Physical performance in older individuals is one of the key indicators determining their level of independence and quality of life. Tests such as the Timed Up and Go Test, the 6-Minute Walk Test, and the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test are widely used to assess mobility, balance, lower extremity endurance, and overall physical fitness. Chronic pain and its accompanying emotional factors are known to negatively impact physical performance.

However, studies examining the combined effects of emotional suppression on both pain perception and physical performance in older individuals are quite limited. This study contributes to the literature by offering a holistic assessment perspective by considering the physiological consequences of emotional regulation strategies in a multidimensional manner. Addressing the psychological and physical health of older individuals in conjunction is crucial for developing effective intervention programs. In this respect, the aim of the study was to examine the effect of the level of emotional suppression on pain perception (intensity and catastrophizing) and physical performance in elderly individuals.

Conditions
Elderly Person
Being tested
Assessment
Keywords
ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPRESSION, PAIN PERCEPTION, PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • AssessmentOther

    The group to be evaluated is comprised of individuals over 65 years of age, who can independently carry out their daily living activities, and whose cognitive level is sufficient to understand and answer the surveys and tests in the study.

Study groups in NCT07122817
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group 1Individuals over 65 years of age who can independently carry out daily living activities and whose cognitive level is sufficient to understand and answer the surveys and tests in the study.
Receives: Other: Assessment

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Emotion Regulation Scale

    The Emotion Regulation Scale will be used in the study to assess participants' tendency to suppress their emotions. The Emotion Regulation Scale is a self-report scale developed by Gross and John that measures how individuals regulate their emotions. The Emotion Regulation Scale consists of two subscales: Cognitive Reappraisal and Expressive Suppression. Specifically, the emotional suppression subscale will be used in this study. Participants evaluate statements given to them on a 7-point Likert-type scale (1 = "Strongly disagree", 7 = "Strongly agree"). High scores on the scale indicate a high tendency to suppress emotional reactions. The Emotion Regulation Scale is a measurement tool widely used in psychological research with proven validity and reliability.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  2. Pain Catastrophizing Scale

    The Pain Catastrophizing Scale will be used to assess participants' cognitive and emotional responses to pain. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale, developed by Sullivan and colleagues, is a self-report scale that assesses negative thought patterns associated with pain. The scale consists of three subscales: Rumination, Magnification, and Helplessness, and a total of 13 items. Participants rate each item on a 5-point Likert-type scale, with "0 = Never" and "4 = Always." The total score ranges from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating a greater psychological sensitivity to pain and a greater level of catastrophizing. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale is an effective tool for understanding the psychological factors that play a significant role in the subjective experience of pain, and its validity and reliability have been tested in various populations.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  3. Numeric Pain Rating Scale

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a simple and common self-report tool used to assess participants' pain intensity. Participants are asked to rate their pain on a numerical scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain). The Numeric Pain Rating Scale allows for quick and reliable measurement of subjective pain intensity and is widely used in clinical and research settings. The scale's validity and reliability have been demonstrated in several studies.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  4. Brief Pain Inventory

    The Brief Pain Inventory is a multidimensional pain measurement tool that assesses pain severity and its impact on activities of daily living. The scale collects information on pain severity (pain intensity), functional limitations caused by pain (emotional state, walking, sleep, etc.), and pain management methods. Participants rate pain on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). The Brief Pain Inventory is a highly valid and reliable tool for the clinical assessment of chronic pain and in research.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  5. Timed Up and Go Test

    The Timed Up and Go Test is a practical and valid performance test used to assess individuals' mobility, balance, and functional movement abilities. In the test, the participant rises from a chair, walks 3 meters, returns, and sits back down. Test duration is measured in seconds; shorter times indicate better functional performance. The Timed Up and Go Test is widely used to identify fall risk and mobility limitations, particularly in older individuals.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  6. Chair Stand Test

    Chair Stand Test will be used to measure lower body strength, which is important for everyday activities like climbing stairs and getting up from a chair. The participant sits in the middle of a chair with arms crossed at the wrists and held against the chest. On the command "Go," the participant stands up fully and then sits back down as many times as possible within 30 seconds.The number of full stands completed reflects lower body strength and endurance, which are crucial for maintaining independence and mobility.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  7. Arm Curl Test

    Arm Curl Test will be used to evaluate upper body strength, particularly the strength of the biceps, which is important for lifting and carrying objects.The participant sits on a chair, holding a dumbbell (usually 5 lbs for women, 8 lbs for men) in the dominant hand with the arm fully extended. The participant curls the arm by bending the elbow and bringing the dumbbell up to shoulder height, then lowers it back down. The test lasts 30 seconds, counting the number of curls completed. The total number of curls completed shows upper body strength endurance, necessary for daily tasks like carrying groceries.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  8. Chair Sit-and-Reach Test

    Chair Sit-and-Reach Test will be used to assess the flexibility of the lower body, especially the hamstrings and lower back, which affect posture and movement.The participant sits on the edge of a chair and extends one leg straight out with the heel on the floor and toes pointing upward. Keeping the back straight, the participant reaches forward toward the toes as far as possible without bouncing.

    The distance (measured in inches or centimeters) reached beyond the toes (positive if past toes, negative if not reaching toes) reflects lower body flexibility, important for safe mobility and fall prevention.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  9. Back Scratch Test

    Back Scratch Test will be used evaluate upper body (shoulder) flexibility, which affects activities like reaching overhead or behind the back. The participant reaches one hand over the shoulder and down the back, while the other hand reaches up the middle of the back from the waist. The goal is to touch or overlap the middle fingers of both hands. The distance between the fingertips is measured. The gap or overlap between fingers (measured in inches or centimeters) reflects shoulder flexibility, essential for daily tasks like grooming or dressing.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  10. Foot Up-and-Go Test

    Foot Up-and-Go Test will be used to assess agility, balance, and speed of movement, which are critical for preventing falls and moving safely. Starting seated in a chair, the participant stands up, walks 8 feet (2.44 meters), turns around, and returns to the chair as quickly as possible without running. The time taken to complete the task is recorded. The total time reflects the participant's agility and dynamic balance; shorter times indicate better functional mobility.

    Measured: 4 weeks

  11. 6-Minute Walk Test

    6-Minute Walk Test wil be used to measure aerobic endurance, which is important for stamina in daily activities like walking or climbing stairs.

    Procedure:

    The participant walks back and forth along a marked walkway (usually 50 feet or 15 meters) for 6 minutes at a comfortable, steady pace. The total distance covered in 6 minutes is recorded.

    What it indicates:

    The distance walked indicates cardiovascular fitness and endurance; longer distances mean better aerobic capacity.

    Measured: 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Geriatric Depression Scale:

    The Geriatric Depression Scale is a self-report-based screening tool developed to detect symptoms of depression in older adults. The scale is available in two versions: short and long; the 15-item short form was used in our study. The items consist of simple statements answered with "Yes" or "No" and assess the presence of depressive symptoms. The Geriatric Depression Scale has high reliability and validity in the elderly population and is widely used in research as well as in clinical/practice settings.

    Measured: 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted14 Aug 2025
  2. Study start1 Sep 2025
  3. Primary completion15 Mar 2026
  4. Study completion31 Mar 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Case only
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
106 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07122817
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025/231
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
8 Aug 2025
Last updated
9 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Elderly Person, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Emotion Regulation Scale (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 11 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Apr 2026.

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