Reliance on distraction is associated with increased avoidance behavior under approach-avoidance conflict

Abstract

The use of less effective emotional regulation strategies, such as distraction, may relate to greater reliance on avoidance behavior under conflict. Tulsa 1000 participants (n = 478) were recruited trans diagnostically and completed an approach avoidance conflict (AAC) task. Following the task, participants reported their use of distraction as an emotional regulation strategy. Quantile regression showed negative main effects of distraction and age on approach behavior under conflict. This suggests that individuals who use distraction as a regulation strategy are more likely to engage in avoidance behavior under conflict, which has treatment implications.