Savouring and Negative Mood: Investigating the Buffering Effect

Molly Svensson

Savouring is an emotional regulation technique that focuses on enhancing positive emotions. It remains unclear whether reminiscent savouring can reduce negative emotions, such as sadness, after negative experiences. This experimental study investigated the efficacy of reminiscent savouring on the emotional recovery from sadness. We hypothesised that a savouring practice group would experience reduced negative emotions after experiencing a negative event more than controls, and secondly, increased positive emotions after experiencing a negative event more than controls. 62 participants aged 18 to 65 (Mage = 35.24, SD = 16.41, 77.42% female), comprised of students, and local community members without severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, completed an online experiment where they watched a sadness-inducing film clip, and practiced either a savouring task (savouring group) or recalled their morning routine (control group). Participants reported their positive affect and negative affect at baseline, post-induction, and post-task. Two repeated measures ANOVAs were applied to test the hypotheses. A significant difference in positive affect was observed, F(1, 60) = 9.30, p = .003, η² = .058, as positive affect increased from post-induction to post-task more in the savouring group (Mean difference = .89, p = <.001). No significant difference was found in negative affect, F(1, 60) = 0.14, p = .713, η² = .001, though results trended in that direction. This suggests reminiscent savouring can foster recovery from a negative experience and compliments previous research, highlighting the potential of incorporating such techniques into mental health interventions for depression and its applicability in promoting positive emotional engagement.

Savouring and Negative Mood: Investigating the Buffering Effect

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