Symposia
Cognitive Science/ Cognitive Processes
Ivan Blanco, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Assistant Professor
Complutense University of Madrid
Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain
Andrea Moya, B.S. (she/her/hers)
Post-graduate Research Associate
Cardenal Cisneros University Centre
Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
Alvaro Sanchez-Lopez, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
Complutense University of Madrid
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Background: Interpretation biases and emotion regulation strategies (ERs) are crucial mechanisms for both the onset and maintenance of emotional disorders as well as to explain peoples’ well-being. However, no studies have analyzed the predictive role of both components (cognitive and affective) jointly to explain long-term well-being. In our study, we analyze a mediational model where interpretation biases predict ERs, which subsequently lead to long-term well-being outcomes.
Methods: 103 participants (72.8% female; mean age: 21.03) completed three-time assessments. At baseline, participants completed an objective measure of interpretation biases. One month later, participants filled out measures regarding their use of ERs (i.e., rumination, worry, reappraisal, positive rumination, and dampening of positive emotions) during the past month. Finally, one year later, participants’ perceived stress during the last year, and well-being were assessed.
Results: Analysis showed that positive interpretation biases at baseline predicted the use of all ERs (except reappraisal) at one month (all p < .001) and well-being at one year (r = .32; p = .003). Regarding ERs, only positive rumination was capable to predict well-being at one year (r =.44; p < .001). Finally, a mediational model supported the mediating role of positive rumination between positive interpretation biases and resilience (IC: 17.92; 2.07). This model emerged even when controlled for perceived stress during the past year.
Conclusions: This study sheds some new light on the role of positive interpretation biases and positive emotion regulation to explain well-being in long term. This opens a new venue in terms of new mechanisms to understand and promote well-being.