Affect Labeling and Reappraisal as an Emotion Regulation Strategy

Affect labeling, the process of identifying and verbally expressing emotions, is being increasingly studied as a naturally occurring emotional process with regulatory consequences. Despite the growing interest, the mechanisms underlying affect labeling remain unclear, with studies yielding contradictory results. While some research supports its positive impact on emotional regulation, a study by Nook et al. (2021) found that affect labeling hindered subsequent reappraisal, highlighting the need for further investigation. This study replicates and extends Nook et al. (2021), hypothesizing that the positive effects of affect labeling on reappraisal might emerge over time. In two studies (total N = 226), participants were randomly assigned to four conditions, varying in their use of affect labeling and reappraisal while viewing 24 negatively valenced images. Participants either passively observed, labeled affect, reappraised, or combined labeling and reappraisal. Participants rated their emotional responses immediately and again one to two days later. Results of both studies mirrored those of Nook et al. (2021), with affect labeling reducing the effectiveness of reappraisal. However, follow-up measurements did not support the hypothesis of delayed positive effects, instead showing a return to baseline measures. These findings suggest that the effects of affect labeling and reappraisal diminish over time. The study corroborates Nook et al. (2021), indicating that affect labeling may solidify emerging emotions and limit emotional regulation flexibility.