Theories of Emotion Regulation

Theories of emotion regulation explain how people manage their feelings to respond appropriately to situations. They suggest that individuals can influence when, how, and which emotions they experience and express. Some strategies involve changing thoughts (like reframing a problem), controlling physical responses (like deep breathing), or modifying actions (like walking away). These processes help maintain emotional balance, improve decision-making, and foster well-being. Different models highlight aspects like conscious effort, automatic responses, and development over time, emphasizing that emotion regulation is a complex skill involving both mental thinking and behavioral strategies.