Research on self-distancing: A review from a cultural psychology perspective

Abstract

Self-distancing refers to a process that allows individuals to take a step back from their experiences and reason objectively about them. Previous research has suggested that self-distancing is effective for emotion regulation and self-regulation. A cross-cultural investigation also indicated cultural differences in the ease of self-distancing and the degree of self-distancing on reflection. However, it has been still unclear which specific antecedents, varying across cultures, are associated with these cultural differences. In this article, we first present the theoretical framework of self-distancing, including its definition and mechanisms. Then, we provide an overview of previous research on the effects of self-distancing on emotion regulation, self-regulation, and behavior change. Finally, we discuss the possibility of future research on self-distancing, incorporating the perspective of cultural psychology.