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Individual Differences in Cognitive Emotion Regulation: Implications for Subjective and Psychological Well-Being

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Abstract

Although research has extensively examined the link between cognitive emotion regulation and psychopathological symptoms, scant attention has been given to the relationship between dispositional use of cognitive emotion regulation strategies and individuals’ positive functioning. In a cross-sectional study on 470 adults, we examined whether individual differences in the use of nine cognitive strategies were associated with subjective and psychological well-being. Results show that positive reappraisal and refocus on planning are positively related to both subjective and psychological well-being. Rumination, catastrophizing and self-blame are linked to poorer well-being, while positive refocusing, putting into perspective, and acceptance show few significant associations. These results suggest that cognitive emotion regulation strategies may be differently effective in promoting individual’s well-being.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123, Milan, Italy

    S. Balzarotti, F. Biassoni & D. Villani

  2. Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy

    A. Prunas

  3. Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Podestà 2, 16126, Genoa, Italy

    P. Velotti

Authors
  1. S. Balzarotti
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  2. F. Biassoni
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  3. D. Villani
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  4. A. Prunas
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  5. P. Velotti
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Correspondence to S. Balzarotti.

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Balzarotti, S., Biassoni, F., Villani, D. et al. Individual Differences in Cognitive Emotion Regulation: Implications for Subjective and Psychological Well-Being. J Happiness Stud 17, 125–143 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-014-9587-3

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