The role of situational factors in momentary emotion regulation tactic and acceptance use in adulthood and older age.

Abstract

What role do situational factors play in emotion regulation behavior in everyday life, and is this moderated by age? We present data from a longitudinal experience sampling study (N = 236, ages 18-87) measuring emotion regulation tactic and acceptance use and everyday life situations, with 35 reports over 7 days in three total bursts 4 weeks apart. Older ages were nonlinearly associated with increased likelihood of using positive-approaching tactics, peaking among the oldest individuals. However, tactic use fluctuated with certain self-reported objective situational types and subjective perceived characteristics of situations, with some age-related moderation: Older adults were more likely to use positive-approaching tactics specifically during emotion regulation events involving social interaction. In general, older ages were associated with a lower likelihood of using negative-receding tactics; younger adults were more likely to use these tactics in emotion regulation events involving romantic partners. Age also moderated the use of acceptance in some situations: Older adults were more likely to use emotional acceptance in romantic partner contexts and situational acceptance in objective work-related contexts. Examining emotion regulation tactic and acceptance use within situational contexts may help isolate the specific emotional situations that amplify (or minimize) age differences in emotion regulation behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).