Prospective Associations Between Emotion Regulation Flexibility and Affective Experiences

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Affective Science
• Emotion Regulation

Background:

• Theoretical work emphasizes emotion regulation flexibility (ERF) over frequency for effectiveness.
• Limited research has prospectively examined the relationship between ERF and emotion intensity/dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate prospective associations between trait and state ERF and emotion intensity and dynamics.
• To explore how different operationalizations of ERF predict future affect intensity and patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a measurement burst design with daily diary assessments over 2.5 years across two waves.
• Assessed trait and state ERF, and intensity/dynamics (variability, instability, inertia) of positive and negative affect.
• Sample included 175 young adults (Mage=18 years) with 7985 total daily observations.

Main Results:

• Higher trait ERF predicted less variable and unstable negative affect (NA) in the future.
• Higher state ERF predicted less intense but more consistent positive affect (PA) experience.
• Intense NA predicted lower future trait ERF, and less persistent PA predicted lower future state ERF.

Conclusions:

• Emotion intensity and dynamics are both regulators and outcomes of flexible ER processes, differing for NA and PA.
• Trait and state ERF are distinct constructs with unique antecedents and consequences.
• Findings provide novel insights into the prospective role of ERF in emotional well-being.