Open Access

REVIEW

Classification of Influencing Factors and Mechanisms Underlying Emotion Regulation Choice

Shi-Min Chen, Li-Li Wang^*
Department of Psychology, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an, China
* Corresponding Author: Li-Li Wang. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2026.077617

Received 13 December 2025; Accepted 30 April 2026; Published online 01 June 2026

Abstract

The factors influencing emotion regulation choice (ERC) are numerous, raising the question of how to classify them systematically. This study proposed a framework of four first-order factors—the emotion to be regulated, emotion regulation goals, emotion regulation resources, and psychosocial context—by integrating several key theories of ERC, including the Action Control Theory of Emotion Regulation, the Extended Process Model of Emotion Regulation, the Process-specific Timing Framework Theory, the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation model of Emotion Regulation, and the Emotion as Social Information Theory. This research also provided a detailed examination of the effects of multiple second-order and third-order factors—those either unaddressed or insufficiently covered in previous reviews—on ERC. These factors included the nature of the emotion, emotional intensity, hedonic versus instrumental goals, cognitive factors (such as cognitive resources, executive functions, and cognitive abilities), personality (encompassing the Big Five Personality, attachment, and self-esteem), social support, and interpersonal contexts. Additionally, how gender and age exert an influence on ERC through differences in goals and cognition was examined. Future studies can further explore the interactive effect of different factors on ERC, and the neural correlates of ERC.

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Keywords

Emotion regulation choice; emotional intensity; emotional regulation goal; emotional regulation resource; psychosocial context

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