A goal-directed perspective on dampening of positive affect

The crucial role of positive affect (PA) dysregulations in affective psychopathology is now widely recognized. One clinically significant phenomenon in this context is the dampening of PA, which refers to (attempts to) downregulate or downplay PA states using a variety of mental strategies. Although the transdiagnostic relevance of dampening as a vulnerability and/or maintenance factor for psychopathology is well established, knowledge about motives for individuals to engage in this affect regulation strategy remains underdeveloped and insufficiently integrated. To further the current understanding of dampening, we analyze dampening through the lens of a contemporary goal-directed theory. From this perspective, dampening of PA can be understood as a strategy to reduce discrepancies between current PA and the goal to maintain low PA levels. This homeostasis goal is assumed to be at the service of several superordinate goals. Based on empirical and anecdotal evidence from clinical practice, four types of superordinate goals are identified: a hedonic goal, a self-motivating goal, a social goal, and a self-verification goal. Finally, the goal-directed theory provides guidance to systematically organize existing interventions to diminish PA dampening. The common objective in these interventions is to encourage people to reorient from the homeostasis goal toward an experience goal, which involves allowing oneself to experience PA. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).