Emotional regulation, as defined within this study, is “the process of modulating the occurrence, duration, and intensity of internal states of feeling (both positive and negative) and emotion-related physiological processes.” This study was based on the framework of the tripartite model, which states that parents influence a child’s emotional regulation through 3 mechanisms. Those being observations of parent’s emotion regulation, emotion-related parenting practice, and emotional climate of the family.
It was found that parent’s emotional support, positive affect, emotion coaching, and use of joint strategies were associated with better emotional regulation within children. Conversely, it was found that parents’ psychological control, permissiveness, expressed anger, and criticism were associated with higher difficulties in regulating emotions.
Ways found to support better emotional regulation have been through emotional support and a secure parent-child relationship. This allows for children to feel they are able to freely express their emotions and is an important step in learning emotion regulation. Parenting that has defined rules and limits help children know what to expect when it comes to emotional expression within their home, and this can help children learn ways to express their emotions in ways that are socially acceptable. For example, knowing it is okay to feel anger but that it is not okay to hurt someone because of it. It has also been found that parents who help coach their children on emotions, through problem solving, labeling emotion, and comforting their child, can increase successful emotional regulation!
If you want to read more on ways to facilitate children’s emotional regulation, click here!
Kaitlyn Vitucci
UConn KIDS, Research Assistant