Monitoring processes in extended emotion regulation

The extended process model of emotion regulation (ER) posits that dynamic ER processes monitor and adjust the implementation of ER strategies over time. When an initial ER strategy is ineffective, monitoring processes allow one to flexibly switch to a new, possibly more effective strategy. The present study employed a novel experimental task to explore these dynamic ER processes. Sixty-eight adult female participants each completed 40 trials. In each trial, participants first were assigned to use either distraction or reappraisal for the either low- or high-intensity negative image presented. Then, they were presented with a choice between continuing to use the assigned strategy or switching strategies before viewing the negative image again. Results showed that the combinations of ER strategies and image intensities generated different affect states for the choice context. The magnitude of intermediate negative affect was positively associated with a greater probability of choosing to switch strategies. Finally, for higher intermediate negative affect, negative affect was lower after choosing to switch strategies. For lower intermediate negative affect, negative affect remained low regardless of continuing or switching strategies. These findings support the extended process model and contribute to a growing body of empirical support for dynamic models of ER.