The Science of Emotion Regulation: How It Impacts Health, Performance, and Relationships. | Ethan Kross
Feb 5, 2025
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Dr. Ethan Kross, an award-winning professor at the University of Michigan and author of "Chatter," dives into the intricate world of emotion regulation. He reveals that both positive and negative emotions play essential roles in our lives. The conversation highlights six emotional shifters we can use to manage feelings effectively. Kross emphasizes the power of sensory experiences and mental time travel for perspective shifts, underlining how our surroundings and relationships significantly impact our emotional well-being.
Understanding emotions as essential guides rather than just obstacles is crucial for navigating life effectively and fostering personal growth.
The practice of emotional shifting, comparing it to martial arts training, enhances our ability to respond strategically to emotional challenges.
Curating our environments and supporting healthy relationships significantly influences our emotional experiences and overall mental well-being.
Deep dives
Understanding Emotions
Emotions are powerful and real experiences that significantly impact our lives, yet most people lack the formal education to manage them effectively. Ethan Cross, an expert in emotional regulation, emphasizes that emotions should not be viewed solely as negative forces to avoid; rather, they have essential functions that help us navigate various situations. For instance, anger can motivate us to address violations of our expectations, while sadness can lead us to introspect and find new meaning after loss. Recognizing the constructive elements of all emotions, and not just the positive ones, is crucial for developing a healthier emotional framework.
The Shift Concept
The ability to shift or regulate emotions according to our goals is a vital skill that can lead to improved mental well-being and performance. Cross introduces the concept of 'shifting,' which involves adjusting the intensity and duration of emotional experiences in pragmatic ways. This is compared to training in martial arts, where individuals learn to navigate and control their emotions rather than being overwhelmed by them. The goal-driven nature of emotional shifting allows individuals to harness their emotions effectively, increasing awareness and the ability to respond strategically in various situations.
Sensory and Perspective Shifters
Ethan Cross discusses various shifters that can aid in emotion regulation, particularly sensory and perspective shifters. Sensory shifters include tools like music and touch, which can provide significant boosts to our emotional state when used intentionally. For example, listening to energizing music can uplift one's mood, while comforting touch can soothe distress. Perspective shifters involve techniques such as mental time travel, which allows individuals to contextualize their emotions by reflecting on how they might feel about a situation in the future or by recalling past experiences where they overcame similar challenges.
Environmental and Relationship Influences
The spaces we occupy and the relationships we maintain play critical roles in shaping our emotional experiences. Cross underscores the importance of intentional environmental design, suggesting that individuals can curate their surroundings to promote well-being by adding elements that evoke positive emotions or removing triggers of negativity. Similarly, the dynamics of relationships are highlighted, with an emphasis on the need for supportive interactions. Fostering connections where feedback is both empathetic and constructive can significantly impact one's emotional state and overall mental health.
Cultural Dynamics in Emotion Regulation
Culture is a powerful influence on how we understand and manage our emotions, shaping beliefs about emotional expression and regulation. Cross explores how cultural norms dictate whether individuals feel comfortable expressing emotions or are encouraged to suppress them. By recognizing the cultural frameworks we operate within, we can make more informed decisions about which beliefs serve our emotional needs. Furthermore, individuals have the opportunity to influence their microcultures, such as family and work environments, by promoting practices that encourage healthy emotional engagement.
Practical strategies for managing our emotional lives.
Dr. Ethan Kross, author of the international bestseller Chatter, is one of the world’s leading experts on emotion regulation. An award-winning professor in the University of Michigan’s top ranked Psychology Department and its Ross School of Business, he is the Director of the Emotion and Self-Control Laboratory.
In this episode we talk about:
What an emotion actually is
The myth that we should only experience positive emotions
Why sometimes avoidance is a smart strategy
The six emotional "shifters" we can use to regulate our emotions
The role of our senses
How to use mental time travel to shift perspective
And the role of our surroundings, relationships, and culture