What do we do to help others feel better? Eight extrinsic emotion regulation processes linked to affective and interpersonal outcomes

MacCann, Carolyn; Double, Kit S; Olderbak, Sally; Austin, Elizabeth J; Pinkus, Rebecca; Walker, Sarah A; Kunst, Hannah; Niven, Karen

Abstract

Theoretical models of extrinsic emotion regulation (the regulation of others’ emotions) recognize many different regulation strategies, yet we know very little about who engages in which strategies, and the effects of different strategies on social and emotional outcomes. In the present research, we develop the Regulation of Others’ Emotions Scale (ROES) to capture eight extrinsic emotion regulation strategies(expressive suppression, downward social comparison, humor, distraction, direct action, cognitive reframing, valuing, and receptive listening) and explore their relationships with personality, empathy, wellbeing, and relationship quality. Studies 1(N=321)and 2 (N=121) identified 8 strategies that differ in how much they required engagement with the target person. Studies3(N=310) and4(N=150 dyads) found evidence for test-retest reliability, structural validity, and correlations with other constructs (i.e., discriminant, convergent, and criterion-related validity). Results suggest that valuing, receptive listening, and cognitive reframing have the strongest links to regulator wellbeing, target wellbeing, and relationship quality. In Study 5(an experience sampling study, N=150) we found that cognitive reframing and humor were the most effective strategies for regulating others’ emotions in daily life. Results are discussed in terms of theory development for extrinsic emotion regulation strategies.

Citation

MacCann, C., Double, K. S., Olderbak, S., Austin, E. J., Pinkus, R., Walker, S. A., …Niven, K. What do we do to help others feel better? Eight extrinsic emotion regulation processes linked to affective and interpersonal outcomes. [https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/u3wx2]

• Other Type: Other
• Deposit Date: Feb 27, 2024
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/u3wx2
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2288291