Zini, Merav; (2002) Emotion regulation in children following severe early deprivation. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Past research has demonstrated the effects of adverse rearing environments on children's emotion regulation but in most studies it has been difficult to distinguish the effects of early experiences from continuity in risk exposure. This study aimed to disentangle emotion regulation processes following severe early deprivation and to examine their associations with children's previous attachment disturbances and concurrent peer relationships. The participants, 96 children adopted from Romanian institutions between the ages of 0-4 years and 24 non-deprived UK children adopted in early infancy, were assessed at age 11 years. Information on emotion regulation was derived from observations of children's social interaction during an interview situation. Data on children's peer relationships were gathered using standardised assessments. Previous data on children's attachment disturbances at age 6 years were also available. Factor analysis revealed four dimensions of maladaptive emotion regulation. ANOVA and correlational analyses indicated a significant association between duration of deprivation and maladaptive patterns of emotion regulation. In addition, attachment disturbances partially mediated the association between early deprivation and emotion regulation. Furthermore, emotion regulation fully mediated the association between early deprivation and social competence with peers. The discussion focuses on the critical role of early experiences in the development of emotion regulation and its impact on subsequent adaptation, including attachment disturbances and peer relationships. Possible mechanisms underlying children's interpersonal difficulties are suggested in the light of existing literature and theoretical perspectives. Some of the study's limitations and its' empirical and clinical implications are also discussed.

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