AGE AND COGNITIVE ABILITY AS PREDICTORS OF EMOTION REGULATION STRATEGY USE

Abstract Emotion regulation (ER) is viewed as a cognitively demanding process and involves selecting implementing specific strategies in support of one’s emotional goals. Older adults are theorized to maintain wellbeing by ER that consistent with their available resources, which may involve engaging more lower-arousal stimuli less higher-arousal stimuli, especially when cognitive resources limited. The aim this study was examine relationships between age, ability, use different types strategies. Participants (N = 287) aged 25-85 (M 54.33, SD 17.19) completed assessments ability from the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery. In laboratory task, participants series film clips eliciting low-arousal emotions (sadness, contentment) high-arousal (disgust, amusement) under instructions regulate pro-hedonically using any strategy. They reported disengagement (e.g., distraction, suppression), engagement perspective-taking, awareness), positive-focus savoring, positive reappraisal). Results multilevel models revealed age associated higher lower disengagement, regardless fluid ability. With cognition X interaction indicated there an age-related increase among individuals but not Findings idea older tend engage aid processing memory for future attempts. Fluid be important resource supporting adults’ stimuli.