Interindividual differences in emotion regulation

Abstract

Abstract. In this article, we present a short overview of findings from our current research on interindividual differences in emotion regulation and their consequences for health and well-being. In our research that is based on experimental designs, ambulatory assessment methods as well as cross-sectional surveys, we examine interindividual differences in expectancies, strategies and goals that we assume to be associated with adaptive stress and emotion regulation. Among the interindividual differences in goals and strategies, we focus on functional and dysfunctional dispositional anger-related goals and strategies, and the habitual use of humor, ruminative thinking, and eating behavior as strategies of emotion regulation. With regard to health-related expectancies, possible mechanisms linking dispositional optimism with the perception and receipt of social support are a main area of our current research.