The Interplay of Emotion Regulation in the Development of Psychopathology

Emotion regulation, the capacity to influence the experience and expression of emotions, plays a critical role in mental health. This report explores the significant involvement of emotion regulation in the development of psychopathology across various mental disorders. By examining the conceptual framework of emotion regulation, including its components and lifespan development, this review highlights how deficits and maladaptive strategies in managing emotions are implicated in the onset and maintenance of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. Furthermore, the diverse research methodologies employed to study this relationship are discussed, alongside empirical findings on specific emotion regulation strategies. The report also delves into the mechanisms through which emotion regulation influences psychopathology, the mediating and moderating factors involved, and identifies gaps in current research, suggesting potential directions for future investigations and interventions.