Science of Emotion and Sensibility (감성과학)

Korean Society for Emotion and Sensibility (한국감성과학회)
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Self-distancing as a Cognitive Tool for Emotion Regulation: Its Concept, Measurement, and Effect

인지적 정서조절 기제로서 자기거리두기: 개념, 측정과 효과 소개

  • Received : 2020.09.04
  • Accepted : 2020.09.24
  • Published : 2020.09.30
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Abstract

This study reviewed the literature on the self-distancing method for emotion regulation. Self-distancing refers to taking a step back in dealing with one's own experiences and interpreting them in a relatively objective manner. Studies have indicated that self-distancing affects cognitive and emotional processes, which are particularly beneficial in regulating negative emotions. Therefore, this study focused on organizing previous results to summarize their meaning, assess means of measurement, and analyze possible effects. Above all, the related concepts of an observer's rational perspective and self-reflection were presented to clarify the definition of self-distancing, followed by a discussion of its measurement. Based on this, the effects of self-distancing were introduced according to their emotional, cognitive, physiological, developmental, and behavioral aspects. However, despite repeated verification of the positive effects of self-distancing, there are several inconsistencies that require consideration. Finally, we suggested the study's academic and practical implications and recommended directions for further research.

본 논문에서는 인지적 정서조절의 방법으로 활용되는 자기거리두기의 개념과 측정, 효과에 대해 소개하였다. 자기거리두기(self-distancing)는 자신에게 몰입하는 상태의 반대 개념으로, 자신의 경험을 다룰 때 한 발짝 물러나서 이를 다소 관조적으로 바라보는 행위를 일컫는다. 자신의 경험을 다룰 때 마음속에서 자신과 얼마나 거리를 두는지에 따라 인지적 정서적으로 지각되는 정도가 다르고 이는 사건을 이해하는 정도는 물론 이로 인한 정서의 양상에까지 영향을 준다. 그 간의 많은 연구들에 따르면, 자기거리두기를 많이 하는 것이 개인의 정서에 도움이 된다는 결과들이 지배적인데, 본 논문에서는 이러한 결과들을 정리하여 자기거리두기가 무엇을 의미하고 어떤 효과가 있는지를 정리해 보았다. 먼저 본 연구에서는 이러한 자기거리두기 개념의 이해를 돕기 위해 관찰자 관점, 자기반성, 이성적 태도 등의 개념을 통해 자기거리두기가 어떤 특징이 있고 어떤 방향에서 바라보고 접근하게 되는지를 제시하였고, 이와 함께 자기거리두기를 어떻게 측정할 수 있는지 또한 짚어보았다. 그리고 이를 바탕으로 자기거리두기로부터 얻을 수 있는 효과를 정서적, 인지적, 생리적, 행동적, 발달적 측면에서 세분화하여 소개하였다. 한편, 이 개념으로부터 기대되는 긍정적인 효과들이 반복적으로 검증됨에도 불구하고 일관되지 않은 결과들도 함께 발견되고 있어 이를 함께 언급하였다. 아울러 자기거리두기가 앞으로 연구되는 과정에서 다루어져야 하는 부분들에 대한 고찰이 함께 이루어졌다. 마지막으로 이연구가 가진 학술적·실용적 의미들을 짚어보았다.

Keywords

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