Abstract
In the present set of studies we examined whether expectancies about emotion regulation strategies moderate the relationship
between experiential avoidance (EA) and negative emotional experiences. In Study 1, college students (N = 334) completed self-report measures assessing EA, expectancies about emotion regulation strategies, and psychological symptoms
(depression, anxiety, and stress). In Study 2, college students (N = 97) completed (a) self-report measures assessing pre-task state negative affect, EA, and expectancies about emotion regulation
strategies; (b) either an emotionally neutral or emotionally negative task; and (c) a self-report measure of post-task state
negative affect. Consistent with predictions, pessimistic expectancies about emotion regulation strategies (reflecting perceptions
about having a lack of emotion regulation abilities) potentiated the relationship between EA and negative emotional reactions
in both studies. In Study 2, this potentiating effect was observed in response to the emotionally negative, but not emotionally
neutral, task. Conceptual and therapeutic implications are discussed.
between experiential avoidance (EA) and negative emotional experiences. In Study 1, college students (N = 334) completed self-report measures assessing EA, expectancies about emotion regulation strategies, and psychological symptoms
(depression, anxiety, and stress). In Study 2, college students (N = 97) completed (a) self-report measures assessing pre-task state negative affect, EA, and expectancies about emotion regulation
strategies; (b) either an emotionally neutral or emotionally negative task; and (c) a self-report measure of post-task state
negative affect. Consistent with predictions, pessimistic expectancies about emotion regulation strategies (reflecting perceptions
about having a lack of emotion regulation abilities) potentiated the relationship between EA and negative emotional reactions
in both studies. In Study 2, this potentiating effect was observed in response to the emotionally negative, but not emotionally
neutral, task. Conceptual and therapeutic implications are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-012-9469-0
- Authors
- Thomas A. Fergus, Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
- Joseph R. Bardeen, Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
- Holly K. Orcutt, Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916