Knowing What You’re Feeling and Knowing What to Do About It: Mapping the Relation Between Emotion Differentiation and Emotion Regulation

Lisa Feldman Barrett et al

Keywords: Emotion Differentiation, Emotion Regulation, Negative Emotions, Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Intensity

The Study: This study explored the relationship between emotion differentiation and emotion regulation, particularly in the context of intense negative emotions. Drawing on self-regulation theory, the authors proposed that individuals who experience emotions in a more differentiated manner—clearly distinguishing among various negative emotions—would be more effective at regulating them. Fifty-three participants completed 14-day emotion diaries and laboratory assessments of regulation strategies.

Main Findings: Negative emotion differentiation was positively associated with the frequency of emotion regulation, especially under conditions of high emotional intensity. Positive emotion differentiation showed no significant relationship with regulation. These findings indicate that individuals who can accurately identify their negative emotions (e.g., anger, sadness, fear) are better able to regulate them, whereas undifferentiated emotional experiences hinder effective control.

Practical Implications: The results highlight the role of emotion differentiation as a key component of emotional intelligence. Enhancing individuals’ ability to recognize and label specific emotions may improve emotion regulation and overall psychological adjustment. The study underscores the importance of emotional awareness in fostering adaptive responses to intense affective states.

Reference: Barrett, L. F., Gross, J., Christensen, T. C., & Benvenuto, M. (2001). Knowing what you’re feeling and knowing what to do about it: Mapping the relation between emotion differentiation and emotion regulation. Cognition and Emotion, 15(6), 713–724. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930143000239

Barret et a., 2010.pdf

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