Future orientation helps regulate emotion in the future

Abstract

AbstractAlthough the adaptive function of future orientation has been demonstrated, whether an individual's orientation toward the future regulates emotions to cope with future stressors remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the emotion regulation function of future orientation in a goal‐related stressful situation. Eighty participants were randomly assigned to an experiment group or a control group. The experiment group was primed by a future‐oriented manipulation, whereas the control group was primed by a neutral condition; then, both groups performed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The results showed that the experiment group exhibited reduced negative mood, increased positive mood, and a lower peak cortisol level after the TSST task. In conclusion, future orientation is considered an effective approach to regulate future emotions in response to stress. Our results render insights to developing strategies in coping with occupational stress.