Can "emotionally uptight" mean "suppressing one's emotions"?

[Alberto]

Hi guys,
I have a doubt about the meaning of an expression I have found in an
American psychology questionnaire. The phrase is "emotionally uptight", the
context is:

"People see me as uptight emotionally"

This questionnaire has been designed to identify a problem in the area of
emotional inhibition.

According to most dictionaries, the word "uptight" means "tense", "nervous".

In one American slang dictionary, however, I have found the following
definition: "Worried, upset or INHIBITED". Actually, inhibited would seem to
suit the above context: does this meaning sound correct in your opinion? I
mean, "a person who is emotionally uptight" is "a person who suppresses his
emotions"?

Thanks a lot!
Alberto

[John Woodgate]

Post by Alberto
I
mean, "a person who is emotionally uptight" is "a person who suppresses his
emotions"?

Quite often. Or just about to burst into tears.

[Steven M (remove dirt to reply)]

Post by Alberto
"People see me as uptight emotionally"
This questionnaire has been designed to identify a problem in the area of
emotional inhibition.
According to most dictionaries, the word "uptight" means "tense", "nervous".
In one American slang dictionary, however, I have found the following
definition: "Worried, upset or INHIBITED". Actually, inhibited would seem to
suit the above context: does this meaning sound correct in your opinion? I
mean, "a person who is emotionally uptight" is "a person who suppresses his
emotions"?

Not a psychology major, but I agree that uptight probably means
inhibited or having suppressed emotions, in this case.

[Viviane]

Post by Alberto
Hi guys,
I have a doubt about the meaning of an expression I have found in an
American psychology questionnaire. The phrase is "emotionally uptight", the
"People see me as uptight emotionally"
This questionnaire has been designed to identify a problem in the area of
emotional inhibition.
According to most dictionaries, the word "uptight" means "tense", "nervous".
In one American slang dictionary, however, I have found the following
definition: "Worried, upset or INHIBITED". Actually, inhibited would seem to
suit the above context: does this meaning sound correct in your opinion? I
mean, "a person who is emotionally uptight" is "a person who suppresses his
emotions"?

I believe the use of "emotionally uptight" is meant to be vague and general
here (I assume the intended audience for this questionaire is the average
joe?). It could refer to a person who suppresses his/her emotions, but it
might also refer to someone who, without suppressing his/her emotions,
chooses not to express them. For instance, a person who has a
reserved/introverted personality and does not confide easily might also be
considered as "emotionally uptight" from an extravert's point of view.

Viviane (also not a psychology major)

[Robin]

Post by Alberto
Hi guys,
I have a doubt about the meaning of an expression I have found in an
American psychology questionnaire. The phrase is "emotionally uptight", the
"People see me as uptight emotionally"
This questionnaire has been designed to identify a problem in the area of
emotional inhibition.
According to most dictionaries, the word "uptight" means "tense", "nervous".
In one American slang dictionary, however, I have found the following
definition: "Worried, upset or INHIBITED". Actually, inhibited would seem to
suit the above context: does this meaning sound correct in your opinion? I
mean, "a person who is emotionally uptight" is "a person who suppresses his
emotions"?
Thanks a lot!
Alberto

A word originating in the USA in the Sixties I think. Quite widely
used. Usually used critically of others to mean repressing feelings,
unfriendly, unhelpful, uncooperative. Similar in meaning, but quite
different in origin and social overtones, to " a cold fish".

Robin

[Tsu Dho Nimh]

Post by Alberto
In one American slang dictionary, however, I have found the following
definition: "Worried, upset or INHIBITED". Actually, inhibited would seem to
suit the above context: does this meaning sound correct in your opinion? I
mean, "a person who is emotionally uptight" is "a person who suppresses his
emotions"?

"Uptight" means needlessly nervous, tense or anxious or dogmatic
about something. One can be uptight about health, cleanliness,
sex, politics or any other issue.

"suppressing emotions" is not quite the right intensity ... it
doesn't have the overton of needlessly or extreme rigidiyt that
"uptight" has in English

Tsu Dho Nimh