Emotional Regulation and Pediatric Behavior Health Problems

Abstract

Consideration of emotion regulation and its links to pediatric health and coping provide a useful approach to supporting children and their families experiencing medical stress. Cognitive-behavioral approaches are well suited to target improvements in emotion regulation. Adaptive emotion regulation likely supports adjustment to acute and chronic health conditions and may lead to better health outcomes in youth. This chapter explains the critical role emotion regulation plays in pediatric psychology. When youth are diagnosed with a medical condition, whether acute or chronic, undoubtedly, resources for regulating distress are triggered. The chapter begins with two compelling case vignettes that demonstrate the emotional impact children and families often face when presented with a medical condition or unexpected medical events. Moreover, adjustment to diagnosis and subsequent adherence to complex medical regimens may provoke significant familial stress and conflict. Emotion regulation is a critical component of psychosocial functioning and adjustment and thus requires tailored intervention. The chapter illustrates the relevance of emotional regulation to understanding and treating pediatric patients and their families. It provides a comprehensive review of emotion regulation focused interventions and resources for clinicians that aid in the treatment of youth with medical conditions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)