Work

Examining distinctions between polyregulation and single-strategy emotion regulation.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: = .046, Wilcoxon effect size r = .16). Single-strategy ER use was more frequent than any one type of polyregulation approach. The likelihood of polyregulation was higher when individuals felt more negative affect, perceived events as more important, and were with others (vs. alone). Positive affect and pleasantness were not robust predictors of polyregulation. Compared to single-strategy ER, polyregulation was associated with greater ER effort and difficulty, but not success. The polyregulation approach "redo" (i.e., switching strategies after the first way did not work) was, however, associated with less ER success compared to other forms of ER, including single-strategy ER. Altogether, polyregulation was frequent in daily life and varied based on contextual factors. Engaging in polyregulation may be more demanding than using a single strategy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Emotion

DOI: 10.1037/emo0001684

Authors: Jocelyn Lai, Matthew H. S. Ng, Tammy English, Renee J. Thompson

Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

Language: English

Topic: Emotions and Moral Behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Washington University in St. Louis, National Institutes of Health