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