An event-related potential investigation of distanced self-talk: Replication and comparison to detached reappraisal.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Randomized controlled laboratory trial
PubMed 35568270 · doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.05.003
What was done
Sixty-seven participants were randomly assigned to an emotion regulation picture task viewing negative emotional images while reflecting on their feelings using either distanced self-talk (using non-first-person singular pronouns and their own name) or detached reappraisal. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were measured, specifically the late positive potential (LPP, affective arousal) and stimulus preceding negativity (SPN, anticipatory cognitive effort).
What was found
Distanced self-talk reduced the LPP without increasing the SPN. Detached reappraisal did not modulate either the LPP or the SPN. Due to the failed replication of the reappraisal effect, direct comparison between the two strategies was not conducted. The abstract reports no numerical values or effect sizes.
Why it matters
It provides a direct replication showing that distanced self-talk can reduce emotional reactivity without imposing measurable anticipatory cognitive load, supporting its potential utility when cognitive resources are strained.
Limits
The sample size was modest (n = 67). Detached reappraisal failed to produce an effect, preventing planned head-to-head comparisons between strategies. The abstract provides no exact numerical data, confidence intervals, participant demographic details, or subjective behavioral emotion ratings.