Emotional Regulation as a Transdiagnostic Process of Emotional Disorders in Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACTContextSeveral studies have shown that emotional regulation (ER) is a transdiagnostic construct of emotional disorders. Therefore, if therapy improves ER, it would improve psychological distress.ObjectiveThis review assesses and compares the changes in ER due to psychological treatment in different therapies.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs published in the databases PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science was performed. It was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42023387317. Two independent experts in the field reviewed the articles.ResultsA total of 18 articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Analysis of these studies suggests that in unified protocol (UP), cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and mindfulness, there is evidence to support that a moderate effect occurs during treatment. Furthermore, in mindfulness and DBT, the effect was moderate in the follow‐up period, while in UP, it was high.LimitationsGiven the heterogeneity of the applied interventions and the methodological limitations found in the reviewed trials, the results should be interpreted with caution.ConclusionsUP, cognitive behaviour therapy, DBT and mindfulness can improve ER after therapy, while UP, DBT and mindfulness in the follow‐up period. Other therapies, such as SKY or Flotation REST, require more research.