Chapter 6 168 Discussion Key findings This study’s main aim was to explore a tailored online approach to influence affect (positive and negative) and emotion regulation by applying one of three exercises: body scan, opposite action, and positive reappraisal. The results of this study demonstrate that online exercises to address emotion dysregulation are beneficial for hard-to-reach target groups. Participants expressed interest and willingness to participate in online treatment exercises. Online exercises might lower the threshold for individuals with emotional eating to seek help. Performing the exercises gave participants a sense of awareness about their own bodily sensations and negative emotions. User experiences participants Considering the participants’ experiences about the usefulness and feasibility of the exercises the main finding was that they helped participants to pay attention to one’s own body. According to the participants it was a valuable experience to become aware of one’s physical sensations, and to examine what possibly caused them. Participants experienced it as insightful to take a brief time out, and to step away from the daily hassles, for a moment of rest. Performing the exercises pushed them to look for the positive aspects of an issue. It also helped them to reflect either on what happened in specific situations or on their feelings. From the given answers, the relevant reflection skills had been broadened. The number of studies evaluating the effects of body scan is growing [61-64]. The literature indicates that the body scan helps with stress reduction. Performing exercises such as the body scan, enhances the awareness of emotional and cognitive events in the present moment. Individuals become capable of recognizing early signs of tension accumulation [65]. Individuals who experience elevated levels of arousal and stress are likely to encounter physiological symptoms, such as muscle tension. By attentively acknowledging these symptoms while maintaining a nonjudgmental mindset, it is possible to alleviate these physical reactions [66-67]. Body scan is considered an accessible introductory exercise [66], but some participants experienced unpleasant physical sensations and were unable to interpret them. They were encouraged to notice and accept the sensations they experience openly and nonjudgmentally, but not everyone seemed capable of doing that. Participants did
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