Strategic automation of emotion regulation

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2009 Jan;96(1):11-31. doi: 10.1037/a0013460.

Abstract

As implementation intentions are a powerful self-regulation tool for thought and action (meta-analysis by P. M. Gollwitzer & P. Sheeran, 2006), the present studies were conducted to address their effectiveness in regulating emotional reactivity. Disgust- (Study 1) and fear- (Study 2) eliciting stimuli were viewed under 3 different self-regulation instructions: the goal intention to not get disgusted or frightened, respectively, this goal intention furnished with an implementation intention (i.e., an if-then plan), and a no-self-regulation control group. Only implementation-intention participants succeeded in reducing their disgust and fear reactions as compared to goal-intention and control participants. In Study 3, electrocortical correlates (using dense-array electroencephalography) revealed differential early visual activity in response to spider slides in ignore implementation-intention participants, as reflected in a smaller P1. Theoretical and applied implications of the present findings for emotion regulation via implementation intentions are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cues
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Fear / psychology
  • Female
  • Goals
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires