According to our framework, these underlying characteristics of disengagement distraction and engagement reappraisal result in a differential cost– benefit trade-off. Specifically, the benefits of blocking emotional information early before it gathers force via distraction are that emotionally high-intensity information can be successfully modulated. Cognitively, this successful modulation engages relatively simple processes, because the generation of regulatory neutral thoughts in distraction are independent from and not in conflict with the original emotional information. Nevertheless, the major cost of distraction is that motivation it does not allow processing, evaluating, and remembering emotional information,
which are crucial for one’s long-term goals and adaptation. Specifically, distraction is not conducive to emotional events being repeatedly attended to
and provided with adequate explanation, a requirement that is at
the heart of many long-term goals where an individual has to face
difficulties and of adaptation.