Premium
Developmental Pathways of Emotion Regulation in Childhood: A Neuropsychological Perspective
Author(s) -
Woltering Steven,
Lewis Marc D.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
mind, brain, and education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.624
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1751-228X
pISSN - 1751-2271
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-228x.2009.01066.x
Subject(s) - perspective (graphical) , psychology , neuropsychology , anterior cingulate cortex , orbitofrontal cortex , cognitive psychology , intervention (counseling) , neuroscience , control (management) , prefrontal cortex , developmental psychology , cognition , computer science , artificial intelligence , psychiatry
This article presents a model featuring two types of emotion regulation—reactive and deliberate—and discusses the developmental trajectory of both types. We argue that the later‐developing capacity for deliberate control builds on and coevolves with earlier‐developing reactive control. Findings from the field of developmental neuroscience are mapped onto this model. The focus is on specific neural “hubs,” such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex, which serve as epicenters for the coupling of cortical and subcortical processes. We propose that an increasing coordination between brain regions during emotional situations subserves more effective and efficient regulation with development. This framework can be used to explain different developmental pathways of regulatory styles that can, for example, lead to aggressive versus anxious modes of emotion regulation. The implications of this framework can help guide educational policy by supporting prevention and intervention strategies for children exhibiting difficulties with emotion regulation.