Emotion regulation is a critical aspect of psychological functioning that involves managing one’s emotional responses to various stimuli. Theories of emotion regulation have evolved, with many recent studies emphasizing the role of cognitive appraisal, physiological responses, and social context. Consider a scenario where two individuals, Alex and Jamie, experience a similar stressful event, such as receiving an unexpected job layoff notice. Alex engages in avoidance strategies, such as distracting himself with video games and avoiding conversations about the situation. In contrast, Jamie adopts problem-focused coping strategies, actively seeking support and reassessing her career options.
Based on theories of emotion regulation, which of the following statements best describes the underlying psychological mechanisms influencing Alex's and Jamie's emotional responses?