Expectancies versus actual experiences of emotional control as predictors of dysphoric symptoms: A prospective study

We used an experience sampling methodology to investigate what was more predictive of future dysphoria: expectancies or actual experience of emotion control in real life situations. In college students, we assessed expectancies for emotion control, followed by multiple daily assessments of mood and actual perceived emotional control while facing and responding to daily stressors. Finally, we measured life events and dysphoria during a three month follow-up. For exploratory purposes, we examined the emotional control variables as predictors of future anxiety symptoms. Expectancies and experiences of emotional control predicted follow-up dysphoria. Experiences of emotional control predicted follow-up anxiety scores while expectancies did not. We tested the effects of the emotional control variables simultaneously, and only expectancies were predictive of subsequent dysphoria and only experiences were predictive of anxiety. The emotional control variables did not interact with negative life events to predict dysphoria or anxiety. Potential implications and limitations are discussed.