Prior information can alter how sounds are perceived and emotionally regulated

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09793
• Publication Date: 2022-06-24T04:38:47Z
• Authors: Örn Kolbeinsson; Erkin Asutay; Johan Wallqvist; Hugo Hesser
• Keywords: Expressive Suppression

In the current study, we provided participants with written information about emotional dimensions of a sound presented as task-irrelevant in context serial recall task. We were interested whether this manipulation would influence perception and spontaneous use emotion regulation strategies. Participants informed that they hear either an aversive annoying sound, or pleasant calming sound. They subsequently performed three blocks task background rated after each block. Results showed negative group more negative, effects diminishing over repeated trials. While not impacting strategy directly, indirectly influenced degree to which used mental suppression regulatory via changing affective responses. condition specifically, who experienced inclined deal whereas no such relationship was observed positive condition. The study adds our understanding how sounds come acquire meaning individuals spontaneously cope emotional, sounds.