The associations of positive emotion regulation with everyday emotions: An experience sampling approach

Objective: This study aims to examine the associations between perceived capability of savoring and frequency of responses to positive affect with everyday emotions. Method: 100 early to middle aged working adults (M=42.84, SD=6.91) were administered the Savoring Beliefs Inventory (savoring through reminiscing, savoring the moment, and savoring through anticipation) and Responses to Positive Affect questionnaire (emotion-focused positive rumination, self-focused positive rumination, and dampening). Participants were then instructed to report valence (positive/negative) of momentary events and positive and negative emotions five times a day over seven days. Results: Multilevel modeling revealed that perceived capability of savoring the moment and through anticipation, as well as frequency of emotion-focused and self-focused positive rumination, predicted higher positive emotions during positive events. Perceived capability of savoring the moment also predicted lower negative emotions during positive events and higher positive emotions during negative events. The positive association between valence ratings of positive events and emotions was stronger among higher levels of perceived capability of savoring through reminiscing and frequency of emotion-focused rumination. The positive association between valence ratings of negative events and negative emotions was significant only among participants with lower and medium levels of perceived capability of savoring through anticipation. Discussion: Perceived capability of savoring and frequency of positive rumination maybe important to increase positive emotions, and to foster adaptive adjustment to stressful situations during negative events. All rights reserved.