This paper presents a provisional classification of deliberate strategies f
or improving unpleasant affect based on conceptual judgements concerning th
eir similarities and differences. A corpus of self-reported upward affect=r
egulation strategies was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and gr
oup discussions, in conjunction with an examination of existing literature
on related topics. A total of 162 distinct strategies were identified and a
preliminary categorisation was developed by the investigators. We then con
ducted a card-sort task in which 24 participants produced separate classifi
cations of the strategies. The similarity matrix arising from co-occurrence
data was subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and the obtained typol
ogy provided independent support for our proposed distinctions between stra
tegies implemented cognitively and behaviourally, between diversion and eng
agement strategies, and between active distraction and direct avoidance, an
d for specific lower-level groupings of strategies relating to venting, rea
ppraisal, and seeking social support. Potential refinements and application
s of the resulting classification system are considered.