Knowledge about the source of emotion predicts emotion regulation attempts, strategies and perceived emotion regulation success

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/p2bmq
• Publication Date: 2022-11-05T05:01:19Z
• Authors: Yael Millgram; Matthew Nock; David D. Bailey; Amit Goldenberg
• Keywords: Emotional Regulation; Expressive Suppression

People’s ability to regulate emotions is crucial healthy emotional functioning. One overlooked aspect in emotion regulation research that knowledge about the source of can vary across situations and individuals, which could impact one’s for regulation. Using Ecological Momentary Assessments (N=396; 7 days; 5,466 observations), we measured adults' degree their negative emotions. We used language processing show higher reported led more concrete written descriptions source. found predicted attempts, increased use strategies target (cognitive reappraisal, situation modification) versus do not (distraction, eating), greater perceived success regulating emotions, well-being. These patterns were evident both within-person, between-persons. Findings suggest pinpointing might play an important role