Mind and Heart: The Role of Need for Cognitive Closure in Emotional Regulation Processes

The Need for Cognitive Closure (NCC) reflects individuals’ tendency to avoid ambiguity and seek clear answers. Although widely studied in cognitive decision-making, its role in emotional decision-making remains understudied. This study investigates the effects of dispositional and manipulated NCC on emotion regulation strategies beyond purely cognitive processes. Data from 240 participants were analysed using correlational analyses and Linear Mixed Models. Results showed that dispositional NCC was positively associated with distraction, particularly under high emotional intensity, whereas manipulated NCC increased the use of the same strategy only in neutral emotional contexts.