Psychological distancing
Psychological distancing is an emotion regulation strategy that involves viewing one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences from a detached perspective rather than being immersed in them. Researchers describe it as the ability to step back from immediate emotional reactions and reflect on experiences as an observer. This approach helps individuals reduce emotional distress, avoid rumination, and engage in more adaptive self-reflection.
Studies indicate that psychological distancing facilitates self-control, improves emotional regulation, and promotes psychological well-being. One of the most widely studied forms of psychological distancing is self-distancing, which involves analyzing personal experiences from an outsider’s perspective rather than through one’s own eyes.
Related concepts:
self-distancing;
emotional distancing;
cognitive distancing;
emotion regulation.
Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(3), 187-191. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721411408883
Ayduk, O., & Kross, E. (2010). Analyzing negative experiences without ruminating: The role of self-distancing in enabling adaptive self-reflection. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 4(10), 841-854. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00301.x
Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2017). Self-distancing: Theory, research, and current directions. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 55, 81-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.aesp.2016.10.002