Reflective Abstract Processing Reduces Negative Emotions Independent of Self-Perspective.

Abstract

This study tested predictions from Processing Mode Theory, Self-Distancing Theory, and the Construal Matching Hypothesis by manipulating processing mode (abstract vs. concrete), self-perspective (self-distanced vs. self-immersed), and the construal level of emotion (high-level vs. low-level) to examine their effects on negative emotional reactivity. A total of 247 emerging adults were randomly assigned to one of eight experimental conditions, where they recalled either low-level or high-level negative emotional experiences. Participants visualised these events from either a self-immersed or self-distanced perspective and then wrote essays focusing on either the abstract or concrete aspects of the events. Emotional reactivity was assessed both before and after these interventions to evaluate the effects of the manipulations. Results indicated that abstract processing significantly reduced negative emotional reactivity, regardless of self-perspective and construal level. No significant interaction effects were observed between self-perspective and processing mode, nor between processing mode and the construal level of emotion. These findings suggest that transitioning to a reflective abstract processing mode facilitates emotion regulation independently of psychological distance or the nature of the negative emotion. Implications for theories of self-reflection and directions for future research, including distinctions between adaptive and maladaptive reflection, are discussed.