Age Differences in Reappraisal of Negative Autobiographical Memories

ABSTRACT

Background: Past studies have been equivocal regarding age differences in reappraisal efficacy. Moreover, the use of laboratory-generated stimuli (e.g., images, film clips) may overestimate age differences. Instead, the use of self-relevant stimuli (e.g., autobiographical memory) may better represent the day-to-day implementation of reappraisal. Method: Younger and older adults generated 50 negative memories and provided negativity, positivity, and vividness ratings. One to two weeks later, participants underwent a reappraisal task during which physiological data were collected. Participants implemented one of the three instructions for 30 seconds: remember naturally, increase negative reactions, or decrease negative reactions via a “positivizing” tactic. Results: Prior to the regulation session, older adults rated all memories more positively than younger adults. No age differences in negativity or vividness ratings emerged. After regulation, older adults rated memories more positively, negatively, and vividly than younger adults. Physiological data suggest that reappraisal demands may have been more cognitively demanding for older adults. However, older adults reported higher negativity and positivity than younger adults. Conclusion: This challenges the existing theory regarding age and emotion regulation. We contend that reappraisal was achieved by younger and older adults; however, achievement may have emerged in slightly different ways.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this paper can be accessed on the publisher’s website.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Abishek Dey, Aryn Giffi, Miranda Mason, and Marie-Eve Lefebvre for their help with data collection and data processing.

Notes

1. The training session details are available as online supplemental materials.

2. Our sample of older adults performed significantly better on the executive functioning battery than the younger adults. Given the theoretical emphasis on resource demands during reappraisal (e.g., Charles, 2010; Urry & Gross, 2010), we tested the influence of cognitive abilities as covariate in the analysis of self-reported emotions. The results did not substantively change (i.e., point estimates differed; overall pattern did not). Though this age difference in cognitive abilities is unexpected, it appears to have little bearing on reappraisal efficacy in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a faculty start-up grant.