What is it about?
We often wish that happy moments could last longer. One way to achieve this is through cognitive reappraisal, a major emotion regulation strategy that alters emotional responses by reinterpreting the meaning of stimuli or situations. This study addresses two central questions: first, whether advance preparation can enhance positive emotions, and second, whether this effect is consistent across different reappraisal tactics.Why is it important?
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Why is it important?
This study reveals that the key to enhancing positive emotions lies in establishing a clear regulatory goal during the preparation stage. This goal drives the process, leading to greater feelings of happiness regardless of the specific reappraisal strategy used. Practically, this means that by consciously preparing before engaging with positive experiences, we can enhance our ability to maintain well-being in a fast-paced world. Our findings provide a simple but powerful tool for cultivating lasting happiness amid modern life's challenge.
Perspectives
Through this research, I realized that in regulating positive emotions, what truly matters is the regulatory goal we set, rather than the tactic we use. I hope this article highlights the value of setting a clear goal early in the process and encourages people to apply this approach in their daily lives.
jing wang
Liaoning Normal University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Preparation enhances the effectiveness of positive emotion regulation., Emotion, September 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/emo0001582.
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