Which of the following choices best describes the process of handling emotions?

• A. Emotional contagion, which refers to catching emotions from others through social interaction
• B. Emotional suppression, which means ignoring emotions and refusing to acknowledge them
• C. Emotion regulation, which involves monitoring, evaluating, and modifying emotional reactions to achieve desired outcomes
• D. Emotional labeling, which is simply naming the emotion being experienced

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms related to emotions in psychology. Emotional contagion refers to the automatic process of 'catching' emotions from others during social interactions.
2. Step 2: Recognize that emotional suppression involves consciously trying to ignore or push away emotions, which is different from actively managing emotions.
3. Step 3: Emotional labeling is the process of identifying and naming the emotions you are experiencing, which is a part of emotional awareness but not the full process of handling emotions.
4. Step 4: Emotion regulation is the comprehensive process that includes monitoring your emotional state, evaluating it, and then modifying your emotional reactions to achieve desired outcomes or goals.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of handling emotions is emotion regulation, as it encompasses the active management and adjustment of emotions rather than just experiencing or naming them.