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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Impairing Effect of Emotion on Cognition
Published on: February 1, 2012
Depletion Effects Reduce the Preference for Distraction (but Not Reappraisal) During Emotion Regulation
Ruiwen Huang1, Mei Le1, JiaJin Yuan1,2
1Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.
Cognitive depletion reduces willingness to use emotion regulation strategies like distraction. This impacts how individuals cope with negative emotional stimuli, favoring less effortful responses when resources are low.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Affective Science
Background:
- Emotion regulation choice (ERC) relies on cognitive control resources.
- The influence of internal resource levels on ERC is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cognitive depletion affects individuals' choices in emotion regulation.
- To examine the differential impact of depletion on distraction and reappraisal strategies.
Main Methods:
- 51 participants underwent either a cognitive depletion or non-depletion task.
- Participants then viewed negative images of varying intensities and chose to distract, reappraise, or watch.
- Emotion regulation choice (ERC) was recorded.
Main Results:
- Distraction was preferred more in high-intensity emotional situations.
- Emotional intensity did not affect reappraisal choices.
- Cognitive depletion increased 'watch' choices and decreased 'distraction' choices, but not reappraisal.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive depletion diminishes the willingness to engage in emotion regulation.
- Distraction and reappraisal are differentially affected by cognitive resource availability.
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