Get what you need: Need fulfillment as implicit emotion regulation for conflict resolution.

Abstract

= 1,877), we induced unfulfilled needs associated with anger across a workplace conflict scenario (Experiments 1-2 and 5), a close relationship conflict scenario (Experiment 3), and a real-time experience (Experiment 4). Fulfilling the need for status (Experiments 1-2 and 5) and justice (Experiments 3-5) decreased anger and increased willingness to reconcile with the offender. These effects emerged both when the need was fulfilled by the offender (Experiments 1-4) and by a third party (Experiment 5). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications, as well as the benefits and challenges of need fulfillment as a form of interpersonal emotion regulation for conflict resolution. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).