Emotion Regulation in Early Childhood

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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze toddlers’ regulation of negative emotions in two cultures. A general sequential model of emotion regulation is specified that takes emotional reaction, goal-directed behavior strategies, and the interactive process between child and mother into account. Two-year-old Japanese (n = 20) and German (n = 20) girls and their mothers were observed in a quasi-natural interaction in which the girls experienced a playmate’s distress (the mothers were present). The features of the sequential model were measured. Mothers’ sensitivity was assessed in a structured mother-child interaction. The sequential model was confirmed for the German sample and modified in regard to the regulation of distance for the Japanese sample. The Japanese mothers displayed more sensitive and contingent behavior. Culture-specific differences in regard to the distribution of children’s regulation patterns and qualities of mother-child interactions demonstrate the effects of different socialization practices with respect to socioemotional development.