Emotion Regulation Regulates More Than Emotion: Associations of Momentary Emotion Regulation With Diurnal Cortisol in Current and Past Depression and Anxiety

Kirsten Gilbert*, Susan Mineka, Richard E. Zinbarg, Michelle G. Craske, Emma K. Adam

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Maladaptive emotion regulation and dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning are characteristic of depression and anxiety. However, little research examines whether and how emotion regulation affects HPA axis functioning. We utilized an experience sampling methodology to examine associations between three emotion regulation strategies (problem solving, disengagement, and emotional expression/support seeking) and diurnal cortisol rhythms and reactivity in everyday life. Participants were young adults with current, past, or no history of internalizing disorders (depression or anxiety; N = 182). Across participants, problem solving was associated with an elevated cortisol awakening response (CAR), whereas disengagement was associated with a steeper cortisol slope. Only for individuals with internalizing disorders was momentary problem solving and emotional expression/support seeking associated with higher cortisol reactivity and emotional expression/support seeking associated with a flatter diurnal slope and blunted CAR. Results provide insight into associations between emotion regulation and day-to-day HPA axis functioning.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-51
Number of pages15
JournalClinical Psychological Science
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • cortisol
  • depression
  • diurnal
  • emotion regulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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