Psychological distance reduces structure-bound experiencing and emotional reactivity

Abstract

ABSTRACTActs that put negative stimuli at a distance such as particular techniques like Clearing a Space have buffered effects on negative emotions. This study investigated the effects of psychological distance on repetition of thoughts and emotional reactivity, as well as the mediating role of repetition between psychological distance and emotional reactivity. In Experiment 1, all participants read a negative scenario and those in the near condition imagined they were at home, whereas those in the distant condition imagined they were at a library 62 miles from their home. Results showed that emotional reactivity and repetition of thoughts were attenuated in the distant condition relative to the near condition. In Experiment 2, all participants recalled their stressful event and those in the near condition imagined they reexperienced that event a week later, whereas those in the distant condition 10 years later. Results showed that emotional reactivity and repetition of thoughts were attenuated in the distant condition relative to the near condition. Furthermore, Experiments 1 and 2 also provided evidence repetition was found to mediate the link between psychological distance and emotional reactivity. Finally, the implications, limitations, and future directions of this study are discussed.