Enhance Emotion Regulation Research Articles

Predicting social adjustment based on mindfulness and emotion regulation in university students through panel data model

Background: Given the important role of social adjustment in improving mental health and quality of life among university students, we must analyze the factors affecting adjustment. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and emotion regulation with social adjustment in university students. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, the path analysis method was used with panel data to predict social adjustment based on mindfulness and emotion regulation in university students. The statistical population included all university students in Ahvaz (Iran) in 2022–23. Convenience sampling was employed to select 222 students (177 females and 45 males), who responded to different questionnaires on mindfulness, emotion regulation, and social adjustment at two points of time two months (8 weeks) apart. Results: The findings indicated that mindfulness had a positive significant relationship with emotion regulation in university students (P<0.001). However, emotion regulation had no significant effect on students’ mindfulness. Moreover, there was no significant relationship between emotion regulation and social adjustment in the students. Conclusion: According to the results, mindfulness can be employed to enhance emotion regulation in university students. Given the importance of social adjustment in the mental health and academic achievement of university students, future studies should analyze the relationships between other psychological variables and social adjustment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Reducing Emotional Eating in Emerging Adult Women

Emerging adulthood is a transitional period from adolescence to adulthood characterized by instability in roles and relationships as individuals navigate the demands of higher education, employment, intimate relationships, and self-identity formation. This transition often triggers various negative emotions, such as anxiety, distress, and self-doubt, particularly in women, making them more susceptible to engaging in emotional eating as a means of seeking temporary comfort or distraction. Emotional eating is a mechanism for temporary emotional relief, but feelings of regret or guilt often follow it. Emotion regulation skills are crucial when experiencing negative emotions. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an intervention designed to enhance emotion regulation skills, in reducing the occurrence of emotional eating among emerging adult women. The study employed a single case experiment design with two 21-year-old female participants experiencing emotional eating. The Emotional Eating Scale (EES) and emotional eating self-recording were used as measurement tools. Each participant received DBT over 7 sessions, each lasting 60-90 minutes. The results indicated that DBT reduced the frequency of emotional eating in both participants, with the effect persisting up to 14 days post-intervention. These findings suggest that DBT is an effective intervention for reducing emotional eating in emerging adult women.

Differential role of negative and positive parenting styles on resting-state brain networks in middle-aged adolescents

Parenting styles encompass negative and positive approaches, potentially affecting adolescents' brain reward and emotion regulation systems. However, the association between parenting style and brain networks remains unknown. This study investigates the link between parenting style and functional connectivity (FC) within the reward and emotion regulation brain networks, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). A total of forty-two middle-aged adolescents (26 males; 16 females) with no neurological or psychiatric symptoms participated in this study. We assessed parenting behaviors and extracted reward/emotion regulation FC from rs-fMRI. We examined the association between FC and parenting style, identified through principal component analysis. Correlation analysis investigated these links while controlling for sex. We delineated both positive (love-autonomy) and negative (hostility-control) parenting styles, accounting for 79 % of the explained variance in parenting behaviors. The negative parenting style displayed connections with FC within the reward system, particularly in the left nucleus accumbens (NAc), showcasing links to multiple frontal regions. Furthermore, it correlated with the social reward network, specifically the insula-NAc FC in bilateral hemispheres. Conversely, the positive parenting style exhibited an association with FC between the hippocampus and right lateral prefrontal cortex. Our findings support negative parenting's association with an immature reward system and suggest positive parenting's potential to enhance emotion regulation in brain function. These observations highlight two distinct parenting styles, including single-parenting behaviors. Thus, we advance understanding of each style's unique contributions to adolescent reward- and emotion regulation-related brain network development.

Body Aware: Adolescents' and Young Adults' Lived Experiences of Body Awareness.

Paying attention to body sensations has been associated with many positive outcomes such as increased subjective well-being, enhanced emotion regulation, and reduced symptom reports. Furthermore, body awareness has an important therapeutic utility in the treatment of various psychological ailments. Despite its importance in mental health, there is very little research on body awareness during adolescence and young adulthood - important developmental periods characterized by bodily changes and the development of one's relationship to one's body. Therefore, the present qualitative study sought to explore how body awareness is understood, experienced, and described by adolescents and young adults. Four online focus groups were conducted with young people between the ages of 14 and 24 (N = 20). Thematic analyses revealed a multidimensional and highly contextualized understanding and experience of body awareness in this age group. In general, young people reported mainly attending to intense and unpleasant body sensations with a particular attitude (e.g., accepting or avoidant) depending on the type of sensation, leading to a variety of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to these sensations. These processes were embedded in an underlying schema of beliefs about body awareness and an overarching physical and socio-cultural context. Results further revealed a more nuanced experience and understanding of body awareness in women and in young adults. The present findings can be used as a foundation for the development of body awareness theoretical frameworks and self-report instruments for youth and can aid the generating of hypotheses for future research on body awareness in this age group.

The Impact of Virtual Reality Intervention on Emotion Regulation and Executive Functions in Autistic Children.

Introduction: Autistic children may encounter difficulties in managing emotions and executive functions (EFs), which can contribute to mental and health challenges. Recognizing physical activities as a potential strategy for enhancing emotion regulation (ER), this study aims to investigate the efficacy of a virtual reality (VR)-based physical exercise program in improving ER and EFs among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Materials and Methods: Forty boys diagnosed with ASD, aged 7 to 10 years, were randomly assigned to two groups: a VR intervention group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The intervention group participated in a VR program, while the control group solely concentrated on engaging in sedentary and inactive video gaming. EFs were evaluated through the utilization of both the flanker task and the Wisconsin card sorting task, both administered initially at baseline and subsequently after an 8-week interval. In addition, the parents of the children completed the Emotion Regulation Checklist to evaluate their ER skills. Results: According to the results, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of EFs and the ability to regulate emotion (P < 0.05). The intervention group demonstrated a notable improvement in ER skills and exhibited superior executive functioning abilities compared with the control group. Conclusion: It appears that VR exercises can serve as a preliminary trial to enhance EFs and ER in children with autism. In addition, they may prove effective as complementary interventions to traditional educational strategies in preventing future challenges associated with ASD.

A feasibility evaluation of a peer support intervention for social participation in China

PurposeThis study aims to report on the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of a peer support program designed to promote social participation for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) in China.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a community-based participatory research approach to adapt and test a six-month, culturally responsive peer program with 68 participants. Peer supporters were trained and supervised in Guangzhou, China. Peer workers were hired via a competitive process and completed both classroom and field training. Study participants were offered individual and group socialization activities. Participants completed measures on recovery, quality of life, functioning and symptoms at three time points (pre-, post- and follow-up).FindingsNearly 90% of participants expressed satisfaction with their peer supporters and the frequency of services. Findings showed a significant increasing trend for the social relationships domain of quality of life from baseline to follow-up. Female participants reported significantly increased recovery from pre to post and increased psychological quality of life pre-follow-up as compared to their male counterparts. Supervision logs documented positive gains from participants such as increased help-seeking, improved social skills, enhanced emotion regulation and self-confidence and established routine, alongside challenges like inconsistent engagement, low service incentives and an overreliance on social workers. Peer supporters also reported concerns about their own lack of skills and in navigating relationships between participants and their family members.Originality/valuePeer interventions have been well studied in Western countries but underexplored in China. This research addresses this gap by presenting a peer program aimed at enhancing the social participation of Chinese with SMI.

Shifting away from negative inferences affects rumination and mood

In three studies, we examined the effect of shifting from a negative to a positive inference for a negative personal event, on mood, state rumination, and next-day inferences, and assessed whether trait brooding moderates these effects. Participants described a personal event and made two inferences for it. Studies 1 and 2 showed that instructing participants to shift from a negative to a positive inference, improved mood and decreased state rumination, compared to a no-shift condition. Lasting effects of this shift were observed on the next day, but not among high brooders. In Study 3, trait brooding was associated with less shifting from a negative to a positive inference, when participants were free to make any inference following a negative one. These findings highlight the benefits of shifting from negative to positive inferences for mood and state rumination. We also discuss the potential of shifting for brooders, who do not shift spontaneously but can do so with guidance, offering a potential intervention to enhance emotion regulation.

Leadership Styles and Relationship Conflict in Pakistani Banks: Exploring the Moderating Roles of Trust, Emotion, and Clarity

This study aims to explore the moderating impacts of cognitive trust, emotion regulation, and role clarity on the relationship between different leadership styles—transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire—and relationship conflict within the Pakistani banking sector. The objective is to understand how these moderating variables influence the dynamics between leadership approaches and interpersonal conflicts in a high-stress, compliance-driven environment. A quantitative research design was employed, targeting non-managerial staff across five major private banks in Pakistan. Data were collected through a self-administered survey using both digital and printed questionnaires. The survey assessed various constructs, including leadership styles, relationship conflict, cognitive trust, emotion regulation, and role clarity. SmartPLS 4 software was used to evaluate the measurement model and to test the hypothesized interactions between the variables. The analysis revealed that cognitive trust significantly moderated the relationship between transformational leadership and relationship conflict, suggesting that higher levels of trust can reduce conflicts in transformational leadership contexts. However, cognitive trust did not significantly moderate the effects of transactional and laissez-faire leadership on relationship conflict. Role clarity was found to be a critical moderating factor, effectively reducing relationship conflict across all three leadership styles, indicating its importance in providing clear expectations and reducing ambiguity in the workplace. Emotion regulation also played a significant moderating role in both transformational and transactional leadership, helping to mitigate relationship conflicts. However, it did not significantly moderate the relationship between laissez-faire leadership and relationship conflict. The findings underscore the importance of fostering cognitive trust, enhancing emotion regulation skills, and ensuring role clarity in organizational settings, particularly within the banking sector. By focusing on these moderating factors, organizations can better manage the adverse effects of different leadership styles on relationship conflicts, thereby improving overall team cohesion and productivity. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between leadership styles and relationship conflict in a culturally specific context. It highlights the critical roles of cognitive trust, emotion regulation, and role clarity as moderating factors that can enhance leadership effectiveness and conflict management in the Pakistani banking sector.

Enhancing Emotion Regulation Skills in High-Risk Adolescents Due to the Existence of Psychopathology in the Family: Feasibility and Uncontrolled Pilot Study of a Group Intervention in a Naturalistic School Setting.

Emotion regulation skills form part of many interventions for youth with internalizing and externalizing difficulties. This pilot study examines a prevention program delivered at school to improve adolescents' emotion regulation skills, focusing on those at risk for mental health problems. Adolescents 12-18 years old were referred to a six-session group program by their school counselors, based on inclusion criteria related to family sociodemographic and mental health characteristics. Group sessions took place during school hours to facilitate participation and reduce dropout. The intervention targeted emotion regulation skills, drawing from central components of different cognitive behavioral approaches. To assess clinical outcomes, participants answered questionnaires before and after the program, which covered emotion regulation strategies, addictive behaviors, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The acceptability of the program was also assessed. Emotion regulation skills improved after the program, and there was a significant reduction in internalizing and externalizing problems. The program was evaluated as useful by participants. Counsellors reported satisfaction with the program. Targeted emotion regulation skills training is a potentially useful transdiagnostic intervention to prevent mental health problems in youth. Bringing the intervention to the school setting and involving counsellors in referring at-risk students can facilitate uptake and reduce dropout.

Enhancing Emotion Regulation and Overcoming Craving in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Through Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention

Background: Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a significant challenge for psychologists due to relapse and its impacts on well-being. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) has emerged as a potential solution, receiving increasing attention in the field of psychological interventions for ADS. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of MBRP, specifically on emotion regulation and alcohol craving as primary outcomes, alongside the secondary consideration of assessing changes in mindfulness levels. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study utilizing a pre-test/post-test design, 50 patients (aged 18–55) with ADS were enrolled in the intervention group (MBRP + usual care) and the usual care alone (UCA) group. The outcome assessment employed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-18 (DERS-18) and Alcohol Craving Questionnaire-Short Form Revised (ACQ-SF-R) at three time points: pre-intervention (T1), mid-intervention (T2, four weeks after MBRP initiation), and post-intervention (T3, MBRP completion). Post-intervention comparisons between the intervention and UCA groups utilized repeated measures ANOVA ( p &lt; .05). Result: In the intervention group, significant within-group improvements were observed in mean scores of emotion regulation and craving at T1 (56.8 ± 7.6 and 41.6 ± 7.3), T2 (61.7 ± 10.5 and 41.5 ± 7.4), and T3 (61.5 ± 10.6 and 35.6 ± 5.4), with p values of .006 and .001, respectively. In comparison, the UCA group showed significant post-intervention differences in emotion regulation (46.9 ± 16.4) and craving (34 ± 11.82) scores, with a p value of .004. The effect sizes for emotion regulation (0.42) and craving (1.43) in the intervention group and for emotion regulation (0.50) and craving (0.47) in the UCA group further demonstrated more favorable outcomes in the intervention group, especially in reducing craving. Conclusion: Our research indicates that intervention and UCA yields moderate enhancements in emotion regulation; however, intervention demonstrates superior efficacy in diminishing craving, which is pivotal for relapse prevention. Incorporating MBRP with bespoke interventions might optimize the long-term treatment of ADS.

Internet Addiction on Psycho-Social Symptoms of Happiness and Aggression through Difficulties in Emotion Regulation: Evidence Following COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Internet usage has increased during the pandemic. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between internet addiction (IA), happiness, and aggression in the context of difficulties in emotion regulation (DER). The psycho-social symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to be more persistent over time compared to its physical symptoms, especially regarding Internet addiction in the young population. This study seeks to understand these effects on happiness and aggression through difficulties in emotion regulation. Participants and Procedure: The sample of this study consisted of 325 university students. Data were gathered using the Young Internet Addiction Scale Short Form, Oxford Happiness Scale Short-Form, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Brief-Form, and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that internet addiction was negatively related to happiness, and this relationship was mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. Similarly, internet addiction was positively related to aggression, and this relationship was fully mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation as well. Conclusion: These research findings emphasize the need for creating effective interventions to enhance emotion regulation skills in internet-addicted adults. The results are discussed in light of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Training in Cognitive Reappraisal Normalizes Whole-Brain Indices of Emotion Regulation in Borderline Personality Disorder

BackgroundBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is the prototypical disorder of emotion dysregulation. We have previously shown that patients with BPD are impaired in their capacity to engage cognitive reappraisal, a frequently employed adaptive emotion regulation strategy. MethodsHere, we report on the efficacy of longitudinal training in cognitive reappraisal to enhance emotion regulation in patients with BPD. Specifically, the training targeted psychological distancing, a reappraisal tactic whereby negative stimuli are viewed dispassionately as though experienced by an objective, impartial observer. At each of 5 sessions over 2 weeks, 22 participants with BPD (14 female) and 22 healthy control participants (13 female) received training in psychological distancing and then completed a widely used picture-based reappraisal task. Self-reported negative affect ratings and functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired at the first and fifth sessions. In addition to behavioral analyses, we performed whole-brain pattern expression analyses using independently defined patterns for negative affect and cognitive reappraisal implementation for each session. ResultsPatients with BPD showed a decrease in negative affect pattern expression following reappraisal training, reflecting a normalization in neural activity. However, they did not show significant change in behavioral self-reports. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this study represents the first longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging examination of task-based cognitive reappraisal training. Using a brief, proof-of-concept design, the results suggest a potential role for reappraisal training in the treatment of patients with BPD.

Modeling the relationship between depression in people with cancer and perceived stress, with the mediating role of eating problems, sexual satisfaction, emotion regulation and self-compassion.

With the rising prevalence of cancer and the adverse physical and psychological experiences endured by affected individuals, this study aims to establish a model illustrating the relationship between depression in people with cancer and perceived stress. Additionally, it examines the mediating influence of eating problems, sexual satisfaction, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. This study employs a descriptive-correlational research method, utilizing structural equation analysis (modeling) to explore the role of mediators. The research sample comprised 200 individuals diagnosed with cancer, selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants completed Beck's 13-item depression questionnaire, a 10-item perceived stress questionnaire, an 8-item appetite measurement questionnaire, a 25-item sexual satisfaction questionnaire, a 10-item emotion regulation questionnaire, and a 12-item compassion questionnaire. The data were subsequently analyzed using SPSS-24 and Lisrel 80/8 software. The research findings indicate a significant positive relationship between perceived stress and depression in people with cancer. Furthermore, eating problems exhibited a mediating role in the relationship between perceived stress and depression, with a direct effect coefficient of (t = 0.28, ß = 0.02). However, the path from perceived stress to depression, mediated by sexual satisfaction, was found to be statistically insignificant, with a standard coefficient of 0.01 at the p < 0.05 level. Emotion regulation demonstrated a direct effect coefficient of (t = -3.52, ß = -0.33) on depression. Likewise, self-compassion exhibited a direct effect coefficient of (t = -3.08, ß = -0.28) on depression, while the path from perceived stress to depression was mediated by self-compassion, with a standard coefficient of 0.12 at the p < 0.05 level. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the interplay between depression and perceived stress in individuals with cancer, revealing a significant positive association. Eating problems emerged as a mediating factor, directly influencing the manifestation of depressive symptoms. However, the mediation pathway through sexual satisfaction was found to be statistically insignificant. Emotion regulation and self-compassion were identified as influential factors, with direct effects on depression and self-compassion also serving as a mediator in the relationship between perceived stress and depression. The findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions addressing eating problems, enhancing emotion regulation, and fostering self-compassion to alleviate the impact of depression and perceived stress in individuals facing cancer-related challenges. Further research is encouraged to refine and expand upon these insights, advancing holistic care for this population.

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Emotion Regulation, Behavioral Symptoms, and Academic Performance of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently struggle with emotional regulation, behavioral issues, and academic performance, leading to peer rejection and social isolation. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on emotion regulation, behavioral symptoms, and academic performance of children with ADHD. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design. The study population consisted of all primary school students with ADHD aged 7 - 11, as well as their mothers, in Amol in 2021. A purposive sample of 30 individuals was selected for the study. Participants were assigned to either the ACT training group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15) through a simple random allocation. The participants in the study filled out questionnaires on emotion regulation, children's behavioral symptoms, and academic performance. The data was analyzed using an analysis of covariance. Results: In the pretest phase, the scores for adaptive emotion regulation strategies, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, behavioral symptoms, and academic performance were 43.07 ± 6.05, 65.13 ± 9.27, 91.20 ± 12.58, and 128.47 ± 29.84, respectively; whereas in the posttest phase, they were 61.20 ± 8.01, 52.00 ± 6.00, 67.13 ± 12.73, and 159.73 ± 21.11, respectively. Acceptance and commitment therapy resulted in enhanced emotion regulation strategies and academic performance, as well as a decrease in behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Given the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy training in emotion regulation, behavioral symptoms, and academic performance, this approach may be employed by counselors and psychologists at counseling and psychotherapy centers to help remedy ADHD.

Enhancing emotion regulation: investigating the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at PC6 in reducing fear of heights.

This study investigated the impact of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at Neiguan acupoint (PC6) on the physiological and behavioral responses of participants exposed in virtual height. 40 participants were included in the study and were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. Participants had an immersive experience with a VR interactive platform that provided somatosensory interaction in height stimulation scenes. Psychological scores, behavioral and cognitive performance, and physiological responses were recorded and analyzed. The results indicated that the intervention group had significantly lower fear scores compared to the control group. Analysis of heart rate variability revealed that the intervention group exhibited improved heart rate variability, indicating enhanced cardiovascular function and emotion regulation. The behavioral and cognitive results demonstrated that the intervention group exhibited higher left eye openness, faster reaction times, and greater movement distance, suggesting enhanced attentional focus, cognitive processing, and reduced avoidance behaviors. These findings suggest that TEAS at PC6 can effectively reduce fear and improve the regulation of physiological and behavioral responses to negative emotional stimuli.

Enhancing Emotion Regulation Through Arousal Modulation with Modal and Amodal Virtual Food Representations.

Enhancing Emotion Regulation Through Arousal Modulation with Modal and Amodal Virtual Food Representations.

Efficacy of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) on Emotion Regulation, Addiction Severity, and Craving in Methamphetamine Abusers

Background: Emotion dysregulation and cravings play a pivotal role in the relapse of individuals grappling with substance use disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) in ameliorating emotion regulation deficits and cravings among methamphetamine abusers in Tehran city. Materials and Methods: The study employed a semi-experimental design, featuring both a control group and intervention group. A sample was selected using convenience sampling, and 40 methamphetamine abusers in Tehran city were selected and randomly allocated into two groups: The intervention group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). The assessment tools employed included the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ), and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). Data analysis was conducted through mixed repeated ANOVA, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests. Participants were evaluated at pre, post-intervention, and follow-up. Results: The results demonstrate that IPSRT significantly improves emotion regulation and substantially reduces cravings. This was conclusively indicated by the achievement of statistical significance (P &lt; 0.05). The effects of IPSRT were not only immediate but also enduring, as evidenced by consistent positive outcomes observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated the significant advantages of IPSRT in enhancing emotion regulation, reducing the severity of drug dependence, and craving tendencies among methamphetamine abusers. The findings of this study offer promising implications for the treatment of substance use disorders, reinforcing the potential adoption of IPSRT as a fundamental therapeutic strategy.

A systems identification approach using Bayes factors to deconstruct the brain bases of emotion regulation.

Cognitive reappraisal is fundamental to cognitive therapies and everyday emotion regulation. Analyses using Bayes factors and an axiomatic systems identification approach identified four reappraisal-related components encompassing distributed neural activity patterns across two independent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies (n = 182 and n = 176): (1) an anterior prefrontal system selectively involved in cognitive reappraisal; (2) a fronto-parietal-insular system engaged by both reappraisal and emotion generation, demonstrating a general role in appraisal; (3) a largely subcortical system activated during negative emotion generation but unaffected by reappraisal, including amygdala, hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray; and (4) a posterior cortical system of negative emotion-related regions downregulated by reappraisal. These systems covaried with individual differences in reappraisal success and were differentially related to neurotransmitter binding maps, implicating cannabinoid and serotonin systems in reappraisal. These findings challenge 'limbic'-centric models of reappraisal and provide new systems-level targets for assessing and enhancing emotion regulation.

Personal Growth and Motto Goals: Strengthening Emotion Regulation Ability via Affirmatory Metaphors Coaching.

Interventions can foster personal growth. However, our understanding of the specific mechanisms for change and the types of interventions driving this growth process remains limited. In this study, we focused on emotion regulation ability as a potential mechanism. We examined the effects of an affirmation coaching intervention on changes in emotion regulation ability, an important facet of personality. In this coaching intervention, participants created a personal mantra/goal derived from a selected image and positive associations linked to this image (motto goals). This is considered to enhance emotion regulation abilities by internalizing self-stabilizing value. We assigned sixty-six participants to either this affirmation coaching intervention or one of two control coaching interventions: specific-goal versus indulgence coaching. Before and after each intervention, participants completed questionnaires. Only the affirmation coaching intervention significantly increased in adaptive aspects of personality. Notably, the affirmation coaching intervention increased emotion regulation ability, and this effect persisted even when controlling for extraversion and neuroticism. Furthermore, exploratory analysis showed that extraversion increased following the affirmation coaching, while neuroticism remained unchanged. Our results suggest that emotion regulation ability might be the key factor in personality growth. It could be more malleable and/or respond more strongly to short-term coaching, compared to neuroticism. Thus, the malleability of personality traits may not be an all-or-nothing phenomenon; rather, it could depend on the facet of emotion regulation ability. We discuss potential mechanisms of personality growth, distinguishing between emotion regulation and emotion sensitivity.

Effectiveness of Positive Therapy in Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common chronic diseases. The role of heart attacks in death and the shortening of life is considered one of the most emotionally and psychologically influential diseases among individuals; therefore, the use of psychological and medical treatments for this group of patients is emphasized. Objectives: The present study sought to assess the effectiveness of positive therapy in emotion regulation and distress tolerance in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: The present study used quasi-experimental designs of pre-test and post-test followed up with a control group. The sample of this study included 45 subjects with coronary heart disease who were selected using available sampling in 2023. The distress tolerance questionnaire developed by Sevens and Gaher (2005) and the emotion regulation questionnaire developed by Granfsky et al. (2001) were used to collect the data in this study. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data, and SPSS software (version 26) was used to carry out statistical analyses. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (0.05) in emotion regulation and distress tolerance in patients with coronary heart disease between the experimental and control groups. Conclusions: Positive therapy can be inferred to be an effective intervention method for enhancing emotion regulation and distress tolerance in patients with coronary heart disease.