Prior research has consistently demonstrated a positive relationship between self silencing and depression among both genders, but has not investigated the relationship between self silencing and anxiety. This study more specifically examined relationships between self silencing and European American values, cultural value conflict, and depression and anxiety among women. The study utilized 102 Asian American women and 119 European American women between the ages of 18–44. The study replicated a positive relationship between self silencing and depression. Initially, as hypothesized, there was a significant positive correlation between self silencing and anxiety, but after controlling for depression and stress there was no significant relationship between self silencing and anxiety. Age emerged as a strong predictor of self silencing in addition to depression. Additionally, age proved to have a significant impact on the differences between the two ethnic groups.

Keywords: self silencing, cultural value conflict, anxiety, depression, women