Coping with emotions past: the neural bases of regulating affect associated with negative autobiographical memories.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the ability to adaptively reflect on negative autobiographical experiences without ruminating is critical to mental health, to our knowledge no research has directly examined the neural systems underlying this process.

Methods

Sixteen participants were scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as they focused on negative autobiographical memories using cognitive strategies designed to facilitate (feel strategy) versus undermine (analyze and accept strategies) rumination.

Results

Two key findings were obtained. First, consistent with prior emotion regulation research using image-based stimuli, left prefrontal activity was observed during the implementation of all three strategies. Second, activity in a network of regions involved in

SUBMITTER: Kross E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2726992 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature