Reappraisal: Reframing Emotion Through Cognitive Strategy
Reappraisal is a cognitive strategy that plays a central role in the regulation of emotions. At its core, reappraisal involves changing the way one thinks about a situation in order to alter its emotional impact (Troy, Shallcross, Brunner, Friedman & Jones, 2018). Rather than attempting to suppress an emotional response or avoid a distressing stimulus, reappraisal invites individuals to reinterpret the meaning of a situation—transforming its emotional weight through conscious thought patterns.
For example, a person who receives critical or even harsh feedback at work might initially feel discouraged or defensive. Through reappraisal, they can view the feedback not as a personal attack but as an opportunity for professional growth. This shift in perspective often leads to reduced negative emotion and improved psychological resilience.
The Psychological Basis of Reappraisal
In psychological research, reappraisal is considered a cornerstone of emotion regulation. Studies using neuroimaging have shown that individuals who use reappraisal effectively tend to show increased activity in the prefrontal cortex—associated with cognitive control—and reduced activity in the amygdala, the brain’s emotion-processing centre. This neural evidence supports the idea that reappraisal changes emotional experience at a fundamental level, not merely suppressing feelings but reshaping them.
Reappraisal is not only adaptive but also sustainable over time. Unlike suppression, which can tax cognitive resources and lead to rebound effects (e.g., increased emotional reactivity), reappraisal tends to have long-term benefits for emotional well-being, including lower levels of anxiety and depression, and improved interpersonal relationships.
Clinical Applications: Reappraisal in Psychotherapy
Given its strong empirical support, reappraisal has been integrated into various forms of psychotherapy, particularly within cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Therapists help clients identify distorted or maladaptive thoughts and guide them toward alternative interpretations that are more balanced and constructive. This process, often called “cognitive restructuring,” is essentially a structured form of reappraisal.
Moreover, reappraisal is a key component in treatments for mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. For example, in treating PTSD, therapists may help clients reframe traumatic experiences—shifting the narrative from one of helplessness to one of survival and resilience. Similarly, individuals with social anxiety might be guided to reinterpret social situations as less threatening, thereby reducing fear and avoidance behaviours.
Reappraisal as Part of a Multi-Modal Treatment Plan
While reappraisal is a powerful tool, it is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive, multi-modal treatment plan. In many cases, combining reappraisal with other strategies—such as mindfulness, exposure therapy, medication, or behavioural activation—can enhance therapeutic outcomes. This integrative approach acknowledges that emotion regulation is multifaceted and that individuals may benefit from multiple tools depending on their unique needs and contexts.
For instance, someone struggling with major depression might use reappraisal alongside behavioural interventions (like scheduling pleasurable activities), while also taking antidepressant medication. In dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), reappraisal may be used in conjunction with distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness skills, offering a more robust framework for managing complex emotional experiences.
Conclusion
Reappraisal is a flexible, evidence-based cognitive strategy that empowers individuals to change their emotional responses by shifting perspective. Its roots in psychology and its clinical utility in psychotherapy underscore its value as both a personal and professional tool. When embedded in a broader, individualized treatment plan, reappraisal can promote lasting emotional growth, psychological resilience, and improved mental health outcomes.
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David Kraft
Former President of the Section of Hypnosis & Psychosomatic Medicine, The Royal Society of Medicine
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