Developmental Trajectories: Emotion Regulation Development

What are the phases of emotion regulation development?

neurophysiologic modulation, sensorimotor modulation, control, self control, and self regulation

What are the ages of the neurophysiologic modulation phase?

birth to 2-3 months

What are the characteristics of the neurophysiologic modulation phase?

modulation of arousal, activation of organized patterns of behavior

What is are examples of the neurophysiologic modulation phase?

Infants can self-soothe (e.g. with nonnutritive sucking) or respond quickly when soothed by parents. May be fussy or calm. Different routines of awake/ sleep cycles.

What ages is the sensorimotor modulation phase?

3-9 months

What are characteristics of the sensorimotor modulation phase?

behavior depends on social or environmental stimuli or events

What are examples of the sensorimotor modulation phase?

infants derive pleasure from sensorimotor play and seek sensory exploration. some infants may have difficulty modulating sensory behaviors (e.g. may be sensory seeking)

What age is the control phase?

12-18 months

What are characteristics of the control phase?

behavior demonstrates awareness of social demands. toddler demonstrates compliance and self-initiated monitoring

What are examples of the control phase?

toddler’s behavior is goal-directed. they may show different levels of inhibition and compliance according to their understanding of consequences.

What age is the self-control phase?

24-48 months

What are characteristics of the self-control phase?

child’s behaviors are in accordance with social expectations. the child shows a developing sense of identity, and behaviors become more internally monitored.

What are examples of the self-control phase?

child demonstrates knowledge of social rules and conventions. child has difficulty adapting to new demands but may visually check in with parent before acting.

What age is the self-regulation phase?

> 36 months

What are the characteristics of the self-regulation phase?

child develops behavioral flexibility according to the demands of the situation. they develop strategies for managing different situations. child has self-awareness and can self-evaluate their actions.

What are examples of the self-regulation phase?

child may self-initiate cleanup. they become more flexible in their responses, such that child can adapt to unexpected events (e.g. parent leaving for a long time), primarily because communication and language have increased.