Children's conduct problems and the role of emotion regulation : is there a relationship between child-parent emotion regulation strategies?

Abstract

Introduction Behavioural and externalising disorders are estimated to affect around seven per cent of those aged 9 to 15, and may account for one third to a half of all clinical referrals. Without intervention, the projected outcomes for these children are likely to be poor. This study aimed to explore whether there is a relationship between child and parent emotion regulation strategies. The study also investigated the relationship between children’s emotion regulation and conduct difficulties. Method A cross sectional design was used to determine the relationship between emotion regulation strategies used by children and their parents, in a non-clinical population. Children were recruited through primary schools and were between the ages of 9 to 11. Children completed two questionnaires: one measuring emotion regulation strategies (external-functional, external-dysfunctional, internal-functional, internaldysfunctional), and a second measuring their general well-being. Parents also completed two questionnaires: one measuring emotion regulation strategies and a second measuring their child's behaviour and emotional well-being. Results The analysis indicated that there were some correlations between parent-child emotion regulation strategies; children and mothers external-dysfunctional strategies were correlated, as were children and mothers internal-functional strategies. The analysis also indicated that there was a correlation between children's externaldysfunctional strategies and conduct difficulties.