How Do People Use Reappraisal? An Investigation of Selection Frequency and Affective Outcomes of Reappraisal Tactics

Abstract

Although the effects of different emotion regulation strategies are well-documented, most studies to date have focused on the selection and implementation of broad strategies, while overlooking the selection and implementation of specific tactics to enact those strategies. The present research investigated the strategy of cognitive reappraisal and the differences in selection frequency and affective outcomes that are associated with the implementation of different reappraisal tactics to enact that strategy. Participants completed a laboratory task in which they were instructed to reappraise or not to reappraise negative images and reported on their use of specific reappraisal tactics for every trial. Using established reappraisal tactic coding, we assessed how people selected from among common tactics for each image (Study 1) and all tactics (Study 2) and implemented those tactics to reappraise negative images. We compared reappraisal tactic selection and implementation when used during instructed reappraisal vs. during spontaneous reappraisal, in the non-reappraise condition. Results of both studies indicate that tactics were used more often when instructed to reappraise vs. when spontaneously reappraising. Participants used some tactics (e.g., reality challenge) more frequently compared to the rest of the tactics in both conditions. Negative affect was lower following instructed vs. spontaneous reappraisal. Some tactics (e.g., change current circumstances) were more effective at decreasing negative affect in both conditions. Knowing which reappraisal tactics are most frequently selected, and their affective outcomes when used when prompted or spontaneously, may help us better understand how to improve people’s ability to use reappraisal to achieve their emotional goals.