If You See Me Walking By, and the Tears Are In My Eyes

“The researchers recruited 20 volunteers and instructed them on the two methods of emotional regulation — distraction versus reappraisal — then had them view photographs depicting negative emotions of different intensities. A low-intensity image, for example, might show a woman holding her head in an ambiguous state of distress, whereas a high-intensity photograph might show a woman in extreme distress, with blood streaming down her face… The results were unambiguous. Most of the volunteers opted for cognitive engagement when confronted with a low-intensity photograph, and most chose to distract themselves from a high-intensity one, suggesting that switching strategies is a normal, healthy way of dealing with negativity in life.”
 — So much for yelling “You’re in denial!” during your next big fight.