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Abstract

In contrast to traditional classifications of emotion regulation (ER) strategies as either uniformly maladaptive or adaptive, recent theoretical models emphasize that adaptability is determined by greater ER flexibility (i.e., flexibly implementing and adjusting ER strategies based on context). This dissertation is the first to empirically test the two central perspectives of ER flexibility on affect in daily life. Chapter 1 examined intrapersonal ER flexibility using a daily diary design. We found evidence that theoretical components of ER flexibility, as defined by greater context sensitivity in the selection of ER strategies, greater ER strategy repertoire, enhanced responsivity to affective feedback, and ER-environmental covariation, was associated with adaptive affective outcomes (i.e., reduced negative affect and/or increased positive affect). Rather than focusing on how individuals independently regulate emotions, an emerging area of research examines how ER can occur with the help of another person, known as interpersonal emotion regulation (IER). Thus, Chapter 2 investigated IER flexibility using a daily diary design. As expected, greater repertoire and greater responsivity to feedback were associated with more adaptive affective outcomes (i.e., less negative affect and/or more positive affect). However, unexpected findings also emerged: greater context sensitivity did not significantly predict affect, and the covariation of variability predicted higher negative affect. Finally, Chapter 3 examined intrapersonal and IER flexibility in participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (CTLs) using an ecological momentary assessment design. Results showed that the adaptiveness of responsivity to feedback, and ER-environmental covariation differed by diagnostic group, whereas the adaptiveness of context sensitivity and repertoire were similar for both MDD and CTLs. Overall, findings may have clinical implications for prevention and treatment efforts aimed at helping individuals flexibly regulate to manage their daily affect.