The relationship between cognitive emotion regulation and negative emotions moderated by exposure to traumatic news

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and emotions associated with exposure to traumatic news. Two studies were conducted in this context. In Study 1 (n = 72), traumatic news items were identified, while in Study 2 (n = 120), participants' cognitive emotion regulation strategies and emotions were assessed using the traumatic news selected, Demographic Information Form, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Positive and Negative Affect Scale. In Study 2, data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, t-test analysis, and moderation analysis. According to the findings, those exposed to traumatic news experienced more intense negative emotions compared to those exposed to neutral news. The moderator variable analysis showed that individuals exposed to traumatic news experienced greater negative emotion when they used rumination as a coping strategy. The results also showed that men and women show differences in cognitive emotion regulation strategies. In conclusion, it was observed that exposure to traumatic news has a negative impact on emotions. This effect can be mitigated or eliminated depending on the cognitive emotion regulation strategy used. Focusing on rumination is considered important, especially in psychotherapies and preventive approaches. This study highlights the impact of news on people and their cognitive and emotional processes.