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The structure of emotion regulation strategies in adolescence: Differential links to internalizing and externalizing problems
Author(s) -
Brinke Lysanne W.,
Menting Ankie T. A.,
Schuiringa Hilde D.,
Zeman Janice,
Deković Maja
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
social development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.078
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1467-9507
pISSN - 0961-205X
DOI - 10.1111/sode.12496
Subject(s) - psychology , cognition , developmental psychology , anger , cognitive reappraisal , adaptive behavior , clinical psychology , psychiatry
Emotion regulation is a multi‐modal construct, that includes both adaptive and maladaptive cognitive‐behavioral processes. However, many classifications of regulation strategies do not take this multi‐modality into account. In this study, two classification systems were integrated. Participants were 336 adolescents (56% boys, M age = 15.41, SD = 1.45). Anger regulation strategies were measured with a questionnaire that assessed general strategies, and a vignette measure that assessed contextual strategies. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a 4‐factor classification that consisted of cognitive maladaptive, behavioral maladaptive, cognitive adaptive, and behavioral adaptive strategies. The four categories of regulation strategies were differentially associated with age, and gender and psychological problem differences were found. Adolescents with internalizing problems reported using a cognitive regulation style, adolescents with externalizing problems a behavioral regulation style, and adolescents with comorbid internalizing and externalizing problems a maladaptive regulation style. These findings highlight the multi‐modal nature of emotion regulation and may provide opportunities for treatment modifications.