Studies // Cited work
Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing
Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing.
Level D Review doi:10.1177/0963721411408883
What this study supports
Supports the claim that self-distancing is associated with adaptive self-reflection across several levels of analysis. A brief review by the authors of much of the primary research.
- Who was studied
- Not applicable: a short review of research on self-distancing.
- Design
- Review
- Level of evidence
- Cross-sectional, observational, qualitative work and narrative reviews.
Claims that rest on it
Each claim states what the site asserts, at what strength, and with what caveat.
EmpiricalLevel BConfidence MODERATE
Reflecting on an anger-eliciting experience from a self-distanced perspective reduced negative affect compared with immersed recall, in two experiments.
- Scope
- Recall of everyday negative interpersonal experiences in laboratory settings.
- Caveat
- Outcomes are short-term, effects depend on the person and experience, and recent or severe trauma requires professional support.
Last reviewed · Review due · self-distancing-reduces-reactivity