Depletion Effects Reduce the Preference for Distraction (but Not Reappraisal) During Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Emotion regulation choice (ERC) requires cognitive control resources. However, it remains unknown whether and how individuals' internal resource levels may influence their ERC. To address this question, 51 participants first performed a depletion or non-depletion cognitive task. Then, they were presented with negative pictures of high and low intensity and were required to choose distraction or reappraisal, to regulate their emotion, or watch (no regulation) the negative stimulus. The results indicated that individuals showed a greater usage preference for distraction in high-intensity emotional situations. Besides, individuals' choice of reappraisal was not affected by emotional intensity. More importantly, the depletion effects led to a significant increase in the choice of watch and reduced the choice of distraction (but not reappraisal). These results suggest that cognitive depletion weakens emotion regulation willingness and has different effects on distraction and reappraisal.

Keywords

choice / depletion / emotion regulation / resource

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