Interpersonal Emotion Regulation and Psychological Well-being

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology has found that the perceived efficacy of seeking emotional support from others, known as interpersonal emotion regulation (IER), is positively associated with psychological well-being, but only for individuals with lower levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. The study involved 147 participants who completed measures of psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, and IER, and found that the relationship between IER-efficacy and psychological well-being was weaker at higher levels of symptoms. These findings suggest that IER may be less beneficial for individuals experiencing greater psychological distress.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a positive association between perceived efficacy of IER and psychological well-being, but only for individuals with lower levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
  • Symptoms of depression and anxiety moderated the relationship between IER-efficacy and psychological well-being, such that the relationship was weaker at higher levels of symptoms.
  • The study involved 147 participants who completed measures of psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, and IER.
  • The participants' social networks and the frequency of IER attempts were not significantly associated with psychological well-being.
  • The research highlights the importance of understanding for whom and under what circumstances IER is most strongly associated with well-being.
  • The study's findings are consistent with the possibility that IER is less beneficial for those experiencing greater psychological distress.
  • The researchers used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data from the participants.

Statistics:

  • 147 participants completed measures of psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, and IER.
  • Perceived efficacy of IER was positively associated with psychological well-being (beta = 0.24, p < 0.01).
  • Symptoms of depression and anxiety moderated the relationship between IER-efficacy and psychological well-being (p < 0.05).
  • At higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, the relationship between IER-efficacy and psychological well-being was weaker (p < 0.01).

Sources:

  • Is Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Beneficial for All? Examining the Relationship With Psychological Well-Being in the Context of Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2025.
  • Kristen P. Howard, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.