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Emotion Regulation as a Scientific Construct: Methodological Challenges and Directions for Child Development Research

Cole, Pamela M, Martin, Sarah E, Dennis, Tracy A·2004·Child Development
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2004.00673.x
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Abstract

Emotion regulation has emerged as a popular topic, but there is doubt about its viability as a scientific construct. This article identifies conceptual and methodological challenges in this area of study and describes exemplar studies that provide a substantive basis for inferring emotion regulation. On the basis of those studies, 4 methods are described that provide compelling evidence for emotion regulation: independent measurement of activated emotion and purported regulatory processes; analysis of temporal relations; measurement across contrasting conditions; and multiple, convergent measures. By offering this perspective, this article aims to engage thoughtful debate and critical analysis, with the goal of increasing methodological rigor and advancing an understanding of emotion regulation as a scientific construct.

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Metadata

Authors
Cole, P. M., Martin, S. E., & Dennis, T. A.
Venue
Child Development
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published
2004-03-01
Volume
75
Issue
2
Pages
317-333
ISSN
  • 0009-3920 (ISSN-L)
  • 1467-8624
DOI
10.1111/j.1467-8624.2004.00673.x
OpenAlex
W2018445256
Cited by
2,000
References
12
FWCI
57.95
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
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Cole, P. M., Martin, S. E., & Dennis, T. A. (2004). Emotion Regulation as a Scientific Construct: Methodological Challenges and Directions for Child Development Research. Child Development. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2004.00673.x

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