Emotion regulation and well-being at work: a cell-phone ecological momentary assessment study

Abstract

Background: Negative emotions pose a challenge to employees due to its impact on psychological well-being (PWB). The purpose of this study is to examine which categories of emotion regulation strategies (ERS) are related to successful down-regulation of negative emotions, thus PWB (psychopathology, perceived-stress, burn-out, work-related strain). Method: 100 white-collars complete self-report measures of PWB. By using experience sampling method, ER is assessed through participants’ cell-phones on four occasions across five workdays (2000 surveys). In each survey, past hour peak and momentary intensity of negative emotions as well as strategies used to regulate those emotions are asked. Results: Successful/unsuccessful down-regulators will be identified through cluster analysis and compared in levels of PWB. Successors are expected to have better PWB outcomes. Further, adaptive ERS (acceptance, refocus on planning, reappraisal) are expected to predict successful down-regulation. As predicted from coping and emotional labor theories respectively, PWB is expected to be positively correlated with adaptive ERS and negatively correlated with maladaptive ERS (self/other blame, rumination, suppression). Discussion: Given that ERS are related to PWB, prospective results can inform organizational training and stress prevention/management programs.