Abstract
Monitoring and deciding how to adjust an active regulatory strategy in order to maximize adaptive outcomes is an integral element of emotion regulation, yet existing evidence remains scarce. Filling this gap, the present study examined core factors that determine behavioral regulatory monitoring decisions and the neuro-affective consequences of these decisions. Using a novel paradigm, the initial implementation of central downregulation strategies (distraction, reappraisal) and the emotional intensity (high, low) were manipulated, prior to making a behavioral decision to maintain the initial implemented strategy or switch from it. Neuro-affective consequences of these behavioral decisions were evaluated using the Late Positive Potential (LPP), an electro-cortical measure of regulatory success. Confirming predictions, initial implementation of reappraisal in high intensity and distraction in low intensity (Strategy × Intensity combinations that were established in prior studies as non-preferred by individuals), resulted in increased behavioral switching frequency. Neurally, we expected and found that in high (but not low) emotional intensity, where distraction was more effective than reappraisal, maintaining distraction (relative to switching to reappraisal) and switching to distraction (relative to maintaining reappraisal) resulted in larger LPP modulation. These findings suggest that monitoring decisions are consistent with previously established regulatory preferences and are associated with adaptive short-term neural consequences.
Highlights
Imagine getting stuck in a massive traffic jam while driving to work
Our first research question examined whether initial implementation that is incongruent with regulatory preferences results in increased switching frequency, relative to initial implementation that is congruent with regulatory preferences?
Decomposing the three-way interaction revealed that, consistent with our prediction, in high intensity [b = 8.22, SE = 1.84, 95% CI (4.60, 11.83), t(246) = 4.48, P < 0.001, αadjusted = 0.013], but not in low intensity [b = 2.23, SE = 1.88, 95% CI (−1.47, 5.92), t(306) = 1.19, P = 0.237, αadjusted = 0.050], there was an Initial Implementation × Monitoring Choice interaction, such that choosing to maintain distraction, relative to maintain reappraisal, resulted in larger Late Positive Potential (LPP) modulation
Summary
Imagine getting stuck in a massive traffic jam while driving to work. Anticipating being late, you feel that anger rises. 1274 Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 2019, Vol 14, No 12 a particular strategy or to switch from it to a different one, and their affective consequences These factors may include elements of the emotional situation, such as the intensity of anger that is activated by the degree of traffic congestion, and the regulatory strategies one is monitoring, such as distraction vs reappraisal. Utilizing experience sampling, Kalokerinos et al (2017) demonstrated that switching from regulatory strategies that were inefficiently reduced negative affect, subsequently led to improved affect Important, these correlational studies that did not manipulate factors influencing monitoring decisions cannot reach causal conclusions. We hypothesized that exclusively in high intensity, where neural differences between distraction and reappraisal are evident (Shafir et al, 2015), maintaining distraction (relative to switching to reappraisal) and switching to distraction (relative to maintaining reappraisal) would each be associated with stronger LPP modulation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
