The Extended Process Model of Emotion Regulation outlines the processes people use to influence the timing and type of emotions they have. The current study applies this model to extrinsic regulation (regulating others' emotions). In a 2x2 between-subject design, we examine how the target person's emotion (anger/anxiety), and target/regulator closeness (close/distant) interact to predict the regulator's intention to regulate, regulation process choice, evaluation of regulation success

more »

... n self-efficacy), and empathy toward the target. Participants (N = 266) were randomly allocated to one of four conditions to read three vignettes where a close/distant target expressed anger/anxiety. Compared to distant targets, close targets elicited significantly greater intention to regulate, social sharing (but not humor, reappraisal, or distancing), self-efficacy of implementation and empathy. There was no support for emotion type or emotion-by-closeness hypotheses. We conclude that closeness but not emotion type affects emotion regulation at all three stages of the Extended Process Model of Emotion Regulation. Future research could include the effect of closeness on additional processes (such as direct situation modification, or giving space).