Comparing Indices of Emotion Regulation Variability across Culturally Diverse Samples: Associations with Negative Affect

The ability to flexibly adapt emotion regulation (ER) strategies to situational demands is crucial for optimal emotional functioning. Previous research has highlighted the significance of ER variability as a cornerstone of this adaptability. However, operationalizations of this construct have been inconsistent. This study aimed to refine the conceptualization of ER variability by comparing three indices—standard deviation (SD), standard deviation controlling for mean (SDM), and coefficient of variation (CV)—in predicting momentary negative affect across four culturally distinct Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) datasets (German, Belgian, Chinese). Multilevel models revealed that higher SD was associated with increased negative affect, suggesting that greater absolute variability in ER strategy use is maladaptive. Conversely, higher CV was generally associated with reduced negative affect at both state and trait levels. CV that captures relative variability in ER strategy use proportional to the mean potentially reflects adaptive strategy change underlying effective emotion regulation. SDM showed mixed results. Overall, identifying CV as a preferred index provides a nuanced understanding of ER variability and its role in emotional experiences, consequently informing targeted assessments and interventions aimed at enhancing emotional well-being.