The Role of Cognitive Effort in Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Emotion regulation (ER) is a dynamic, multi-stage process encompassing the identification, selection, implementation, and monitoring of ER strategies. Empirical studies on ER have increasingly focused on understanding the role of cognitive effort throughout ER processes. Cognitive effort is an essential component of various ER stages: from identifying the need to regulate emotions, through the selection and implementation of ER strategies, to the monitoring of regulatory behavior. The review highlights substantial inter-individual variability in effort expenditure across ER stages and explores the impact of cognitive costs on regulatory outcomes. To synthesize the reviewed evidence, we propose an integrative framework that outlines the potential impact of cognitive effort across the different stages of emotion regulation. Findings suggest that high effort demands can increase the likelihood of regulatory failure, perpetuating negative emotional states and impairing well-being. Conversely, automatic ER processes, while less effortful, may limit adaptability to novel emotional challenges. Understanding the interplay between cognitive effort and ER is crucial for elucidating key components of the regulatory process and their implications for individual well-being.