Executive functioning and nontarget emotions in late life.

Abstract

When confronted with an emotion prototype (e.g., loss), individuals may experience not only target emotions (e.g., sadness), but also nontarget emotions (emotions that are atypical or incongruent with an emotion prototype; e.g., gratitude in response to loss). What are the cognitive correlates of nontarget emotions? Drawing from models of emotion generation, the present laboratory-based study examined associations between aspects of executive functioning (i.e., working memory, inhibition, verbal fluency) and the subjective experience of positive and negative nontarget emotions in response to sad and awe film clips in 129 healthy older adults. Findings showed that (a) lower working memory was associated with higher levels of positive and negative nontarget (but not target) emotions in response to sad and awe film clips. Moreover, (b) associations were specific to working memory and not found for other aspects of executive functioning. Associations were (c) robust when accounting for age, gender, education, target emotion and physiological arousal (except for negative nontarget emotions in response to the sad film clips). Finally, (d) findings were driven by awe, happiness, calm, and gratitude for the sad film clips and disgust, fear, sadness, compassion, happiness, love, and excitement for the awe film clips. Overall, these findings show a link between lower working memory function and elevated nontarget emotional experiences in late life. Directions for future research are discussed.

The role of executive function in cognitive reappraisal: A meta-analytic review.

“…It should be noted, however, that pictorial stimuli have been shown to rival or exceed film clips in successfully generating positive and negative emotions (Uhrig et al, 2016). Given that only a few studies thus far have used films to elicit emotions (i.e., Malooly et al, 2013; Schmeichel et al, 2008; Stephens et al, 2023), the moderating role of the medium of emotion-eliciting stimuli in the EF–reappraisal association could not be properly examined in the present meta-analyses.…”

Effect of Emotion regulation Nursing Intervention on Emotional Regulation Difficulties and Peace of Mind among older adults

“…It can lead to adverse ramifications related to their emotional well-being and physical health. From another perspective, it might seriously impose additional stress on family members and caregivers (Stephens et al, 2023). Unfortunately, if the older adults' psychological concerns are ignored or overlooked by family members due to the popular belief that such emotional changes are typical symptoms of aging, and do not require immediate attention, this could exacerbate older adults' suffering, and even increase the risk of depression and suicide.…”