A review of the interaction between cognition and emotion in adulthood

Research on cognition and emotion has made significant progress, in theory, methods, and empirical research over the past 30 years. New theories have emerged from the relationship between cognition and emotion, emotional research has become more interdisciplinary, and improved methods of measuring emotion have developed. also, Inspired by the discovery of positive age trends in emotional well-being across adulthood, lifespan researchers have uncovered fascinating age differences in cognition-emotion interactions in healthy adult samples, for example in emotion processing, memory, reactivity, perception, and regulation. The researchers identify four trends and five remaining gaps in our understanding of emotional functioning in adulthood. In particular, they suggest that the field should pay stronger attention to the prediction of real-world behavior. Using the sample case of work functioning, they outline gaps in current knowledge, including the lack of data on middle-aged adults, the neglect of relevant cognitive-emotional mechanisms, and the unclear role of life experience. Filling these gaps will enable progress in research on emotional aging in and beyond the work setting and enhance its practical utility for individuals, organizations, and society.