Adaptive Reflection on Negative Emotional Experiences: Convergences and Divergence Between the Processing-Mode Theory and the Theory of Self-Distancing Reflection

Abstract

Reflecting on negative emotional experiences can be adaptive but it can also maintain or intensify detrimental emotional states. Which factors determine whether reflection can have one consequence or another is unclear. This study focused on two research programs that have concentrated on this topic in the last decades: processing-mode theory (PMT) and self-distancing theory (SDT). The article described and contrasted both programs and their findings. The promising results that PMT and SDT have achieved in identifying the differences between the forms of adaptive and maladaptive reflection are highlighted. Likewise, the disconcerting contradictions observed between both programs that make integrating the findings difficult are indicated. The PMT states that adaptive reflection is concrete, and it is focused on the how of the experience. The SDT states that adaptive reflection is self-distanced and focused on the global meaning of the experience. The article finishes by indicating possible explanations for these apparent contradictions and outlines the challenges to be solved to improve comprehension of the topic.

The effectiveness of brief reminiscence‐based psychosocial interventions for cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Throughout the interview, the therapist encourages the patient to express and reevaluate negative emotions, focuses on the balance of positive and negative memories and integrates the memories into a meaningful whole (Lau & Tov, 2023). Although painful memories may be evoked, the therapist provides guidance to consider these memories from other perspectives (Cova et al., 2019). As a result, patients being able to let go, accept and even gain new insights into their lives has lowered cancer patients' anxiety scores (Zhang et al., 2017; Zheng et al., 2022).…”

Imagining a Safe Place: Emotion Regulation with Detachment Intervention

“…In this study both the rumination task and the imaginative intervention were introduced to participants as “imagery tasks”, which might have evoked positive expectancies regarding both conditions. It could be that the given circumstances and intrapersonal factors in this study (a healthy population, rumination introduced as imagery task) may lead to a form of problem solving or concrete rumination (see Cova et al (2019) for an overview). In future studies, it may be important to assess if participants experienced the self-reflection/rumination about sad memories as adaptive or maladaptive.…”

“…Rumination works by concentration, an attentional deployment strategy, whereas detachment operates by strategies of cognitive change (see Gross et al, 1998). Whereas detachment from the emotion can help to achieve an observer perspective and thus some distance to the evoked emotion, rumination is a form of self-reflecting on the evoked emotion without a distance that could even result in prolonged mood (Cova et al, 2019). Comparing two cognitive strategies, we used an imaginative task to transport the experience of an emotion regulation strategy, like for example in Kross and Ayduk (2008).…”

Effects of a WeChat-Based Life Review Program for Patients With Digestive System Cancer: 3-Arm Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial

“…It also provided an opportunity for patients to learn from the past and affirm their contributions to families and society, which may induce positive emotions. On the other hand, reconciling negative experiences contributes to relieving depressive symptoms and improving one's emotional state [45]. In the process of life review, patients were encouraged to optimistically interpret the negative experiences in their own way to give positive meaning to the unpleasant stories, difficulties, and disappointments in their lives.…”