EXPLORING EMOTION REGULATION: INTERVENTIONS, NEUROBIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, AND DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACTS ACROSS CHILDREN WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This systematic literature review explores the role of emotional regulation (ER) across diverse populations, focusing on interventions, neurobiological mechanisms, and developmental impacts. The primary objective is to synthesize current research on how ER influences mental health and well-being across different age groups and conditions, with a particular emphasis on interventions targeting ER. The review uses advanced search techniques in Scopus and PubMed databases to identify relevant studies, resulting in 34 primary sources published between  2024. Following the PRISMA framework, the review categorizes the findings into four main themes: (1) Neurobiological and Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Emotion Regulation (2) Adaptiveness and Variability in Emotion Regulation. (3) Interventions for Enhancing Emotion Regulation, (4) Developmental and Social Contexts of Emotion Regulation. The analysis highlights that ER plays a critical role in emotional and behavioral regulation, and interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and life skills training have shown positive outcomes in enhancing ER abilities. Moreover, neurobiological factors such as brain regions involved in ER are identified as key areas for future research. The review concludes that promoting ER through targeted interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes, especially in populations with neurodevelopmental and mental health challenges.