Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
Emotion differentiation and its relation with emotional well-being in adolescents
Hannah K Lennarz1, Anna Lichtwarck-Aschoff1, Marieke E Timmerman2
1a Radboud University , Behavioural Science Institute , Nijmegen , Netherlands.
Abstract:
Emotion differentiation (ED) refers to the precision with which people can identify and distinguish their emotions and has been associated with well-being in adults. This study investigated ED and its relation with emotional well-being (i.e. depressive symptoms, positivity and negativity intensity and propensity, implicit theories of emotions) in adolescents. We used an experience sampling method with 72 participants (Mage = 14.00, 71% girls) to assess adolescents' positive and negative emotions at different time points over the course of two weekends and a baseline questionnaire to assess emotional well-being. Differentiating negative emotions was related to less negativity intensity and propensity, and to the belief that emotions are malleable. Differentiating positive emotions was not related to any of the assessed well-being variables. Together, these results suggest that a detailed awareness of one's negative emotional states is an important dimension of well-being, also in adolescence.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Neuroticism and...
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience

