From a distance: implications of spontaneous self-distancing for adaptive self-reflection.
Although recent experimental work indicates that self-distancing facilitates adaptive self-reflection, it remains unclear (a) whether spontaneous self-distancing leads to similar adaptive outcomes, (b) how spontaneous self-distancing relates to avoidance, and (c) how this strategy impacts interpersonal behavior. Three studies examined these issues demonstrating that the more participants spontaneously self-distanced while reflecting on negative memories, the less emotional (Studies 1-3) and cardiovascular (Study 2) reactivity they displayed in the short term. Spontaneous self-distancing was also associated with lower emotional reactivity and intrusive ideation over time (Study 1). The negative association between spontaneous self-distancing and emotional reactivity was mediated by how participants construed their experience (i.e., less recounting relative to reconstruing) rather than avoidance (Studies 1-2). In addition, spontaneous self-distancing was associated with more problem-solving behavior and less reciprocation of negativity during conflicts among couples in ongoing relationships (Study 3). Although spontaneous self-distancing was empirically related to trait rumination, it explained unique variance in predicting key outcomes.
Ayduk
Ozlem
O
Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. ayduk@berkeley.edu
Kross
Ethan
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult