ABSTRACT

Individuals use emotional regulation (ER) strategies

when dealing with various life circumstances. However,
Comparing Emotional Regulation Strategies to Predict Satisfaction with Life and Perceived
the methods individuals use to regulate emotions can
impact life satisfaction and stress levels.1 Two common Stress
ER strategies include cognitive reappraisal (changing
how one thinks about an event) and expression
suppression (concealing one’s reaction). Past studies Mobolanle Adebesin1, Meagan M. Graydon, M.A.1, Daniel J. Knoblach, M.A.1, Taylor B. Crouch, M.A.1, & Carlo C. DiClemente, Ph.D.1
have shown cognitive reappraisal predicts higher life 1 University
satisfaction and lower stress as compared to expression
of Maryland, Baltimore County
suppression. The current study investigated these
PARTICIPANTS ƒ Emotion Regulation Questionnaire:
relationships using data obtained from a doctoral
dissertation study involving a national convenience
ƒ Data were derived from a national sample of young adults
10-item questionnaire; Responses recorded on a 7-point Likert scale
Each predictor of interest had significant, independent
contributions to perceived stress.
DISCUSSION
sample of young adults completing the survey on the (1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree) • In regards to cognitive reappraisal, for every one standard
(N=561) who completed an online survey. Participants were • Results from this study suggest that individuals who use
internet (N = 561). We hypothesized that emotion deviation increase in endorsement of cognitive reappraisal
recruited via online advertising and through fliers located at • Cognitive Reappraisal Subscale (6-items): cognitive reappraisal report higher levels of life satisfaction
regulation strategies used would predict reported life strategies, there was a 0.22 standard deviation decrease in
college campuses and in the community. and lower levels of perceived stress, while those who use
satisfaction and perceived stress. Results of multiple Sample item: “When I want to feel more positive emotion (such as perceived stress above and beyond the other predictors in
ƒ See Table 1 for demographic information. expression suppression report opposite outcomes.
regression analyses revealed that cognitive reappraisal joy or amusement), I change what I’m thinking about.” the model, B = 0.22, t(556) = -5.41, p <.001, f2= .05.
positively predicted life satisfaction (β = .33, p<.001) and • Compared to expression suppression, cognitive reappraisal
Demographics N = 561 has been found to be more adaptive in terms of mental
negatively predicted perceived stress (β = -.22, p<.001). • Alternatively, in regards to expressive suppression, for every
Expression suppression had an inverse relation with
Gender • Expression Suppression Subscale (4-items): health, well-being, and stress outcomes.3,4,5
Male 58.5% Sample item: “I control my emotions by not expressing them?” one standard deviation increase in endorsement of • Young adults could benefit from learning constructive ways
both outcomes [life satisfaction (β = -.18, p<.001), expressive suppression there was a 0.18 increase in
perceived stress (β = .18, p<.001)]. These results Other (e.g., gender non-conforming) 1.2% to regulate their emotions, such as cognitive reappraisal, in
perceived stress above and beyond the other predictors in order to reduce stress and improve life satisfaction.
support the importance of understanding young adults’ Age (Mean) 20 (SD = 2.2)
ƒ Perceived Stress Scale: the model, B = 0.18, t(556) = 4.26, p <.001, f2= .03. • A limitation of this study is that the relationships reported
emotion regulation strategies in order to assist them to Race
manage stress and build lives that have higher levels of 10-item questionnaire; Responses recorded on a 5-point Likert scale between variables is based on correlational data. Clinical
White (Non-Hispanic) 50.6% (0=Never, 4=Very often) trials involving the use of cognitive reappraisal and
emotional well-being. Black/African American 11.0% Life Satisfaction expressive suppression are encouraged to support
Sample item: “In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties
Hispanic/Latino 13.7% were piling up so high that you could not overcome them?” causation claims.
INTRODUCTION Other 23.8
Overall emotional regulation strategies accounted for 12.3% of
•Individuals regulate their emotions in many different the variance in life satisfaction R2 = .12, F(2, 556) = 39.21, p
<.001. Future Directions:
ways; two specific ER strategies are2: Environment ƒ Satisfaction with Life Scale: • Data from this study was collected at one time period;
•Cognitive reappraisal, which involves modifying Urban 45.5% 5-item questionnaire; Responses recorded on a 7-point Likert scale Table 3. Relations of Emotion Regulation Predictors with Life however, it may be valuable to follow young adults over
how one views a situation. Rural 16.2% (1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree) Satisfaction time to determine any changes in outcomes.
•Expressive suppression, which involves concealing Suburban 36.7% Sample item: “In most ways my life is close to ideal.” • The practice of mindfulness, found to be linked with
one’s emotional response to a situation. Education Life Satisfaction positive reappraisal in older adults7, Future studies should
Less than high school 1.2% Predictor B t-value examine whether mindfulness would be a relevant activity
•Some forms of emotional regulation are more
beneficial than others due to the impact they can have High school graduate 22.5% RESULTS Step 1 (Covariates) ‡ in increasing cognitive reappraisal in young adults.

on personal and social consequences. For example, Some college 53.7 Gender 0.01 0.17
those who use expressive suppression may experience Bachelor’s degree 18.9% Perceived Stress Age -0.05 -1.13
distractedness, reduced responsiveness, and heightened Graduate/professional degree 2.9% R2 .002 REFERENCES
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