The impact of parent-child interactions on emotion regulation in adulthood

Childhood is a time where emotional skills are formed. These skills often reflect the primary caregiver(s) modeling and interactions which may shape emotional intelligence. This research aimed to assess if specific parenting approaches have lasting effects on a person’s ability to emotionally regulate. The sample included 141 adults, who responded to questions reflecting the parenting approaches they observed, and their current state of emotional regulation. Results from our regression analysis showed when controlling for age, parental warmth in childhood predicted one’s later ability to use cognitive reappraisal skills. Results from our correlational analysis showed strong positive associations between overindulgence, cognitive reappraisal, and warmth, and negative correlations between psychological control, expressive suppression, age, and warmth. Implications and future research are discussed.