The results of study 4 reveal that when supervisors alter the problem that is causing
a negative emotional response (SM) or reappraise the problem causing the negative
emotional response (CC), subordinates are more willing to make themselves vulnerable
to them. Distracting the subordinate did not have the same impact, perhaps because AD
does not provide enough cognitive information to alter one’s perception of supervisory
trust. If employees are unaware their supervisor is distracting them, this may be a
successful strategy; however, if subordinates are aware, they may believe their feelings
are not important to their supervisor. MER reduced the subordinate’s trust in the
supervisor. This strategy may send signals to subordinates that their supervisor does not
care about their feelings,which reduces subordinates’ willingness to trust the supervisor.