Preparation enhances the effectiveness of positive emotion regulation.

The present research provides a new perspective on how preparation influences cognitive reappraisal to enhance positive emotions. Across two experiments, we examined whether the impact of preparation on positive emotion regulation (ER) is driven by the specific reappraisal tactic employed (self-focused reappraisal vs. situation-focused reappraisal) or by the overarching regulatory goal of enhancing positive emotions. In Experiment 1, 45 participants engaged in self-focused reappraisal, whereas in Experiment 2, 42 participants engaged in situation-focused reappraisal. An adapted ER task assessed emotional experiences under varying conditions, manipulating cues to either allow prior preparation (proactive ER) or occur without specific preparation (reactive ER). Results showed that reactive ER was consistently less effective than proactive ER in upregulating positive emotions, irrespective of the tactic employed. These findings support a goal-driven account over a tactic-driven account, highlighting the pivotal role of regulatory goals established during preparation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).