Language Patterns for “I” Vs “We” and Positivity across Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults’ Descriptions of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Situations

Young(YA), middle-aged(MA), and older adults(OA) were asked to describe interpersonal emotion regulation(IER) situations and responses were analyzed for affect and collectivist language. OA used more positive and “we” language which could indicate age differences in how individuals view their romantic partner as a socioemotional support system.