Emotion Generation, Regulation, and Dysregulation as Multilevel Transdiagnostic Constructs

Abstract

Emotion generation, regulation, and dysregulation are complex constructs that are challenging to define and measure. This chapter reviews prevailing definitions and theories of these constructs and examines the literature across multiple levels of analysis. It adopts a developmental perspective, which guides interpretation of the literature and helps clarify discrepant points of view. The extent to which emotion generation and regulation are separable represents a significant controversy in the field. When viewed as cognitive constructs, it is virtually impossible to disentangle emotion generation and regulation. However, at the biological level, there are important differences in neural structures involved in bottom-up emotion generation processes versus those associated with top-down regulation of emotions. From a developmental perspective, emotions and emotion dysregulation emerge early in life, whereas emotion regulation strategies develop more gradually as a function of maturation and socialization. Future research should continue to reconcile different perspectives on emotion generation, regulation, and dysregulation.

Influences of adversity across the lifespan on respiratory sinus arrhythmia during pregnancy

“…In addition, our finding that higher emotion dysregulation was associated with more stress during pregnancy is consistent with a large literature on emotion dysregulation in non‐pregnant adult samples. Emotion dysregulation is characterized by intense and prolonged emotional experiences that interfere with goal‐directed and interpersonal behaviors; consequently, those who experience high emotion dysregulation are more likely to endure a variety of life stressors, including interpersonal conflict and financial insecurity (Cole et al., 2017; Crowell et al., 2020; Gratz & Roemer, 2004). Moreover, it is likely that there is a bidirectional relation between emotion dysregulation and life stress.…”

“…In considering lifespan influences on pregnant women's RSA, emotion dysregulation is a highly relevant construct that begs further exploration in perinatal samples (Leerkes et al., 2020; Lin et al., 2019; Ostlund et al., 2019). Emotion dysregulation is a trait‐like transdiagnostic vulnerability factor for psychopathology across the lifespan and is characterized by labile, intense, rigid, or prolonged emotional expressions that may interfere with goal‐directed and interpersonal behaviors (Beauchaine, 2015a; Cole et al., 2017; Crowell et al., 2020; Gratz & Roemer, 2004). There are strong theoretical and empirical links between emotion dysregulation and resting RSA.…”

Applying new RDoC dimensions to the development of emotion regulation: Examining the influence of maternal emotion regulation on within-individual change in child emotion regulation

“…Effective regulation of emotion aids in organizing adaptive responses to shifting environmental demands (Thompson, 1994) and reflects concomitant changes in cognitive, emotional, and social domains (Fox, 1994;Saarni, Campos, Camras, & Witherington, 2006). Although competing conceptualizations of ER exist, researchers generally agree that it is a multifaceted process that is continually modified across development (Aldao, 2013;Cole, Martin, & Dennis, 2004;Crowell, Vlisides-Henry, & Kaliush, 2020;Morris, Criss, Silk, & Houltberg, 2017;Walden & Smith, 1997).…”

Intergenerational transmission of emotion dysregulation: Part I. Psychopathology, self-injury, and parasympathetic responsivity among pregnant women

“…Emotion dysregulation is a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor that affects the emergence, continuity, and consequences of psychopathology across the life span. As a construct, it can be defined as a longstanding tendency toward emotional experiences and expressions that are overly labile, intense, rigid, or prolonged, and/or that interfere with appropriate goal-directed or interpersonal behavior (Beauchaine, 2015a; Cole, Hall, & Hazal, 2017; Crowell, Vlisides-Henry, & Kaliush, in press; Gratz, & Roemer, 2004). An accumulating body of research finds that emotion dysregulation often (a) predates the emergence of psychopathology, (b) is a defining feature of several severe and impairing psychiatric diagnoses, (c) is associated with health-risk behaviors, and (d) is shaped and maintained through dynamic family socialization processes beginning at birth (Beauchaine, 2015a; Cole, Martin, & Dennis, 2004; Crowell et al, 2017; Crowell, Puzia, & Yaptangco, 2015; Keenan, 2000).…”