Distinct aspects of emotion dysregulation differentially correspond to magnitude and slope of the late positive potential to affective stimuli

Abstract

ABSTRACTEmotion dysregulation (ED) is a transdiagnostic risk factor for several forms of psychopathology. One established, integrative conceptualisation of ED that has informed our understanding of psychopathology (Gratz, K. L., & Roemer, L. (2004). Multidimensional assessment of emotion regulation and dysregulation : development, factor structure, and initial validation of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26(1), 41-54) was recently extended to account for state-level and specifically physiological aspects of ED. As such, the goal of the current study was to assess the degree to which this conceptualisation could be captured using a physiological, state-level index (i.e. the late positive potential; LPP). Participants (N=41; Mage=27.5 years, SD=11.0) completed a trait-based rating scale measure of the extended conceptualisation of ED and viewed a series of images that ranged in valence (i.e. unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral). Multilevel modelling indicated some points of convergence between rating scale scores and the LPP, and other points of divergence. Findings underscore the utility of a multi-method approach to improve understanding of key transdiagnostic characteristics across levels of analysis. Further, results are novel evidence supporting validity of the extended conceptualisation of ED.

Keywords: Emotion regulation; LPP; trait/state.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure of Interest Statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1. Grand Averaged Waveforms, Estimated Latent Growth Curves, and Topographic Maps for Unpleasant, Pleasant, and Neutral LPP

Note. Latent growth curve models were estimated across six segments capturing the grand-averaged means at 500–750ms, 751–1000ms, 1001–1250ms, 1251–1500ms, 1501–1750ms, and 1751–2000ms. ERP waves are displayed with a 30 Hz low pass filter. Topographic maps reflect average microvolts at each time interval.