Emotion Regulation Flexibility: Challenges and Promise of Using Ecological Momentary Assessment

Emotion regulation (ER) flexibility, defined as shifting regulatory efforts based on contextual demands, has been proposed as central to well-being. However, it remains an elusive construct to capture. In this article, we highlight the promise and challenges of using ambulatory assessment to examine ER flexibility. We consider difficulties in assessing relevant contextual features and ER dynamics using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). The solutions offered include drawing on existing taxonomies of situational characteristics and ER strategies, adopting methods that passively track contextual features and enhance reliability, and leveraging the advantages of various sampling schemes based on target ER dynamics. Studying ER flexibility in vivo, as it naturally unfolds in daily life, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the contextual, dynamic nature of ER. Further work is needed developing theories to guide research on how and why specific aspects of the context might call for shifts in regulatory efforts.