ABSTRACT

Background: Past studies have been equivocal regarding age differences in reappraisal efficacy. Moreover, the use of laboratory-generated stimuli (e.g., images, film clips) may overestimate age differences. Instead, the use of self-relevant stimuli (e.g., autobiographical memory) may better represent the day-to-day implementation of reappraisal. Method: Younger and older adults generated 50 negative memories and provided negativity, positivity, and vividness ratings. One to two weeks later, participants underwent a reappraisal task during which physiological data were collected. Participants implemented one of the three instructions for 30 seconds: remember naturally, increase negative reactions, or decrease negative reactions via a “positivizing” tactic. Results: Prior to the regulation session, older adults rated all memories more positively than younger adults. No age differences in negativity or vividness ratings emerged. After regulation, older adults rated memories more positively, negatively, and vividly than younger adults. Physiological data suggest that reappraisal demands may have been more cognitively demanding for older adults. However, older adults reported higher negativity and positivity than younger adults. Conclusion: This challenges the existing theory regarding age and emotion regulation. We contend that reappraisal was achieved by younger and older adults; however, achievement may have emerged in slightly different ways.

摘要

背景：过去的研究在重新评估疗效方面存在年龄差异。此外，使用实验室产生的刺激（例如图像，胶片片段）可能会高估年龄差异。取而代之的是，使用自我相关的刺激（例如自传记忆）可能更好地代表了重新评估的日常实施。方法：年轻人和老年人产生50个负面记忆，并提供负面，积极和生动的评分。一到两周后，参与者接受了重新评估任务，在此过程中收集了生理数据。参与者在30秒钟内执行了这三个指示之一：自然记住，通过“积极”策略增加负面反应，或减少负面反应。结果：在监管会议之前，老年人对所有记忆的评价要比年轻人更高。否定性或生动度等级没有年龄差异。调节后，老年人对记忆的评价比年轻人更为正面，负面和生动。生理数据表明，对重新评估的要求可能对老年人的认知要求更高。但是，老年人报告的阴性和阳性率高于年轻人。结论：这挑战了有关年龄和情绪调节的现有理论。我们认为，重新评估是由年轻人和老年人实现的。但是，成就可能以略有不同的方式出现。