Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
A dynamic systems account of parental self-regulation processes in the context of challenging child behavior
Xutong Zhang1, Lisa M Gatzke-Kopp1, Pamela M Cole2
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
To advance the understanding of how parental self-regulation contributes to their role in supporting children's development, this study proposes a model of the dynamic processes involved in parental self-regulation. Based on time-series data from 157 mothers and their 30- to 60-month-old children (49.7% female; 96% White; data collected June 2017-December 2019 in central Pennsylvania, U.S.) during a challenging wait task, the model was tested by examining the temporal relations among challenging child behavior, maternal physiology, and maternal responsiveness. Results were consistent with the hypothesized dynamic negative feedback processes and revealed their associations with the overall quality of parenting behaviors and experiences. Findings elucidate how parents adapt to competing external (attending to child) and internal (restoring parents' equilibrium) demands during parenting challenges.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Self-Regulation
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification

