Integrative emotion regulation: Process and development from a self-determination theory perspective

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Self-determination theory (SDT) provides an organismic perspective on emotion regulation.
• Three styles are identified: integrative, controlled, and amotivated emotion regulation.
• Integrative regulation views emotions as informative, while controlled regulation aims to diminish them.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a process view of integrative emotion regulation based on SDT.
• To contrast the benefits of integrative emotion regulation with the costs of controlled and dysregulated styles.
• To discuss the developmental pathways of emotion regulation styles.

Main Methods:

• Review of survey and experimental research.
• Comparison of integrative, controlled, and amotivated emotion regulation styles.
• Examination of the role of parenting in emotion regulation development.

Main Results:

• Integrative emotion regulation is linked to enhanced volitional functioning, well-being, and relationship quality.
• Controlled emotion regulation and dysregulation are associated with negative outcomes.
• Autonomy-supportive parenting fosters integrative regulation, while controlling parenting contributes to controlled or dysregulated processing.

Conclusions:

• Integrative emotion regulation is a beneficial style for processing emotions.
• Developmentally, nonjudgmental and autonomy-supportive environments are crucial for fostering integrative emotion regulation.
• These findings have implications for child development and psychotherapy practices.