What is emotional regulation?
We all feel a wide range of emotions every day. Some of these will be positive (such as happiness and excitement), but some of these will be negative (such as anger, frustration and guilt). Emotional regulation is the ability to cope with these emotions in a healthy way.
How can poor emotional regulation skills impact an individual?
Mood Swings
When children and young people can't regulate their emotions, the result is usually tantrums, shouting, anger, frustration and (possibly) aggression. This can affect the relationships between parents, children and siblings.
Social Issues
Individuals who struggle to regulate their emotions can struggle with creating and maintaining friendships.
Academic Success
The ability to regulate emotions can reduce levels of anxiety at key times, such as during examinations. Being unable to cope with the emotions that times of stress can bring, individuals can lose focus and underperform.
Resilience
Individuals with good emotional regulation skills can cope with setbacks. They are usually better at problem-solving and can focus on long-term outcomes (not needing immediate gratification).
What can be done?
We generally learn to self-regulate these emotions from a young age as part of the ages and stages of development. However, if these skills are not developed by around the age of two years, it becomes more challenging. It is not, however, impossible. Appropriate interventions at the right time can help individuals to develop their emotional regulation skills.
We offer a set of 8 one-hour sessions direct to children and young people to develop their emotional regulation skills. For more information, contact us.
