Thought Patterns Predict Emotion Regulation Flexibility and Well-Being in Daily Life
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Authors
Wang, Ruien
Date
2024-09-19
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Unconstrained cognition , Self-generated thoughts , Experience sampling , Negative affect
Alternative Title
Abstract
The ability to regulate emotions is essential to well-being. The capacity to flexibly use emotion regulation (ER) strategies depending on situational demands seems particularly relevant for adaptive emotional functioning. Yet, we know little about the factors that drive differences in ER variability across people and contexts in complex daily settings. Our study tested whether features of ongoing cognition – naturally occurring patterns of thought experienced in daily life – predict variance in people’s ER ability and well-being in the real world. To this end, 120 participants completed experience sampling surveys for 7 days (3,286 observations), measuring individuals’ ongoing thoughts, ER variability, and well-being on multiple dimensions. Data of ongoing thoughts were decomposed to identify common “patterns of thought” in daily life (principal components analysis) and used to predict variance in ER variability and well-being across people and contexts. We identified one (out of four) distinct thought pattern – characterized by negative intrusive and distractive content – that reliably predicted lower ER variability (between-strategy and within-strategy variability). This thought pattern also predicted reduced well-being in daily settings, moderated by an individuals’ ER variability. The results demonstrate how thought patterns experienced in daily life shape people’s ability to regulate emotions flexibly (to adapt to contextual demands) and well-being, contributing to theories on the role of adaptive cognition. Moreover, our results suggest that sampling ongoing cognition in the real world – easy to collect and cost-effective using popular apps – may help researchers and healthcare professionals improve health and well-being in the real world.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International