Emotion Regulation and Cognitive and Social Functioning in Early Development: The Interface Between Neurophysiological and Behavioural Perspectives

Abstract

Research on the development of emotions and their function as indicators of psychological adjustment has increased dramatically in recent years. The importance of emotion recognition and regulation for understanding normal development and the development of psychopathology is now undeniable. From an early age, the ability to recognise and modulate emotional responses to cope appropriately with environmental demands is associated with cognitive, behavioural and social development. This chapter aims to critically review the research field of emotion regulation, its relationship to emotional intelligence and its contribution to cognitive and social functioning in young children (up to the age of six), placing a dual emphasis on the role of physiological systems in emotion regulation and on the interface between neurophysiological and behavioural perspectives. Challenges and future directions in emotion regulation research will be discussed.