In this paper, we develop a measure based on theWilliams’ (2007) conceptualization
to address key issues in the regulation of others’ emotions. First, considerable empirical
support exists for Gross’ fine-grained framework and speaks to the importance of
assessing the relative effectiveness of specific strategies (Diefendorff, Richard, & Yang,
2008; Gross & John, 2003). Second, whereas identifying emotion regulation as affect
improving and affect worsening implies a single factor model of affect, empirical
evidence suggests separate positive and negative factors (Watson & Clark, 1992). Finally,
because positive and negative emotions are produced by different neurological processes
(Damasio, 1995), different strategies are likely to exist for managing positive, neutral,
and negative emotions. For example, an agent may want to ‘improve’ the affect of angry
targets and neutral targets; however, the strategies used would likely vary. Listening
to targets’ problems and giving advice, for example, don’t seem to apply to the latter.
Because a more fine-grained approach that specifies the type of emotions being managed
could provide a great deal of insight into the most appropriate ways to manage others’
emotions, we utilize the Williams’ (2007) conceptualization.