Optimizing the utility of the ARC Framework

Abstract

This commentary concerns the Affect Regulation in Cancer Framework, which synthesizes theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence on emotion regulation and coping to posit that flexible use of a suite of strategies can result in optimal Affect Regulation in Cancer. The framework raises a number of questions that should be answered for it to reach its full potential. Here, I extend this framework by suggesting (1) outcomes to define adaptive regulation; (2) examples of research questions and hypotheses; (3) intervention development research; and (4) additional cancer contexts to which the framework should be applied.

Keywords: AFFECT; CANCER; EMOTIONS; affect regulation; decision-making.