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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
07:01
Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
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Spontaneous Self-Distancing and Adaptive Self-Reflection Across Adolescence.
Rachel E White1, Ethan Kross2, Angela L Duckworth1
1University of Pennsylvania.
Child Development
|April 16, 2015
Summary
Adolescents can use self-distancing to better reflect on anger, reducing emotional reactivity. This ability improves with age, aiding adaptive self-reflection during challenging experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Adult studies show self-distancing aids adaptive self-reflection.
- Limited research exists on adolescent self-distancing and its outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate spontaneous self-distancing in adolescents.
- Examine the link between self-distancing and adaptive outcomes in youth.
- Explore developmental influences on self-distancing benefits.
Main Methods:
- 226 African American adolescents (aged 11-20) participated.
- Participants reflected on an anger-related interpersonal experience.
- Spontaneous self-distancing during reflection was assessed.
Main Results:
- Self-distancing predicted lower emotional reactivity.
- Self-distancing promoted cognitive reappraisal over rumination.
- Adolescents using self-distancing blamed their partner less.
- The benefit of self-distancing increased with age.
Conclusions:
- Self-distancing fosters adaptive self-reflection in adolescents.
- Developmental stage influences the effectiveness of self-distancing.
- Findings contribute to understanding adolescent emotional regulation.
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