Proactive versus reactive emotion regulation: A dual-mechanisms perspective

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Emotion regulation (ER) relies on cognitive processing, but underlying control mechanisms are not fully understood.
• The process model of ER and dual mechanisms of control (DMC) framework offer distinct but complementary views on temporal aspects of cognitive control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate the process model of ER with the DMC framework.
• To examine how ER strategies can be characterized within proactive and reactive control modes.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical integration of ER and DMC frameworks.
• Discussion of reappraisal as an example strategy within proactive and reactive control.
• Consideration of global vs. stimulus-dependent implementation of proactive ER.

Main Results:

• ER strategies can be proactively or reactively enacted relative to emotional stimuli.
• Proactive ER can be implemented globally or in a stimulus-dependent manner, influencing time course and cognitive load.
• Timing of ER strategies is crucial for understanding intact ER in populations with reduced cognitive control.

Conclusions:

• Integrating ER and DMC frameworks provides a more comprehensive understanding of ER mechanisms.
• Future research controlling for timing can clarify ER in diverse populations.
• The DMC perspective can inform ER interventions for clinical populations.