Demography

Cognitive psychology

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Boredom

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Experiential learning

Developmental psychology

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Structural equation modeling

Distraction

Aesthetics

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Demographics

Social science

Psychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts

There has been increasing interest in the role of artistic creative activities in supporting emotionregulation. However, there is little research about how demographic factors (such as age, gender,ethnicity, personality, and socioeconomic status) or factors relating to creative engagement (includingengagement behaviors and subjective experience of engagement) influence our ability to use artisticcreative activities to regulate our emotions. We analyzed data from 40,949 adults and used a structuralequation modeling approach to model the relationships among demographic factors, factors relating toengagement, and our use of emotion regulation strategies (ERSs) while engaging in artistic creativeactivities. We found that women make more use of creative activities to regulate their emotions than domen, as do those of lower socioeconomic status. Training in doing an artistic activity, regular engagement, and enjoyment while engaging are all associated with a greater ability to use artistic activities toregulate our emotions. We also identified relationships between demographic and engagement factorsand specific types of ERSs, such as avoidance strategies (e.g., distraction, suppression, or detachmentfrom negative or stressful emotions), approach strategies (e.g., acceptance, reappraisal and problemsolving), and self-development strategies (e.g., enhanced self-identity, improved self-esteem, and increased agency). Artistic creative activities are increasingly being recognized as effective ways ofregulating emotional responses. Overall, this study provides insight into the interrelationship betweenindividual attributes, modifiable patterns of engagement and emotion regulation when engaging in artisticactivities

The relationship between demographics, behavioral and experiential engagement factors, and the use of artistic creative activities to regulate emotions.