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date: 28 February 2021

Abstract and Keywords

A developmental perspective to emotion dysregulation underscores the relational bases to developing emotion regulation capacities. In this chapter, attachment theory and functionalist emotions theory are discussed as theoretical foundations for understanding emotion dysregulation in the context of developing relationships. In the subsequent discussion of central research literatures, the chapter profiles family processes that contribute to the development of emotionally dysregulated behavior. The interaction of biological and social processes is considered next in discussions of the physiological synchrony between children and parents, the socialization of stress neurobiology, and children’s differential susceptibility to environmental influences and its consequences for emotion regulation and dysregulation. The chapter concludes with reflections on future directions, including the clinical implications of considering developing problems in emotion dysregulation as problems not just of individual children but also of relationships.

Keywords: development, relationships, attachment, functionalist emotions theory, family, differential susceptibility, stress neurobiology, physiological synchrony

Ross A. Thompson

Ross A. Thompson, PhD Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis

Sara F. Waters

Sara F. Waters, PhD Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Vancouver

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