Emotion Regulation Strategies of Young Adults and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Analysis
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
14-1-2021 2:00 PM
End Date
14-1-2021 2:20 PM
Abstract
It is noticed that theories and research on emotion regulation (ER), ER strategies, and subjective experiences of individuals about ER are inconsiderably various. The effects of caregivers and caregivers’ ER on people’s ER are also among the subjects examined, but young adults’ definition of the ER strategies of their own and caregivers’ seems to be limited. Therefore, this study aims to answer the question of “What are the views of young adults on (a) how they regulate their emotions, (b) which ER strategies their caregivers use, and (c) on the factors affecting their ER, including caregivers' strategies?”. In order to answer this question, 14 individuals, included 8 women (mean age=21.4) and 6 men (mean age=21.6), explained ER processes in detail in audio recorded semi-structured interviews and in online diaries. The data was transcribed, coded and analyzed using thematic analysis in line with guidelines of Braun and Clarke (2006). It is comprehended that ER strategies of young adults and their caregivers have similarities. These are expressed in 3 main themes as strategies based on mental processes, strategies based on interaction with others and strategies based on exposure. It is seen that the experiences of ER are more complex than those mentioned in the literature and the participants think that their ER strategies are not only affected by their caregivers but also many other factors. Therefore, this study examines young adults' views on their own and caregivers' ER processes and on factors affecting ER, and differs from existing research in the literature in that it is qualitative, includes fathers and other caregivers, and includes expressions of young adults.
Keywords
emotion regulation strategies, young adults, caregivers
ORCID ID
0000-0002-2451-9830 and 0000-0002-9231-8141
Emotion Regulation Strategies of Young Adults and Their Caregivers: A Qualitative Analysis
It is noticed that theories and research on emotion regulation (ER), ER strategies, and subjective experiences of individuals about ER are inconsiderably various. The effects of caregivers and caregivers’ ER on people’s ER are also among the subjects examined, but young adults’ definition of the ER strategies of their own and caregivers’ seems to be limited. Therefore, this study aims to answer the question of “What are the views of young adults on (a) how they regulate their emotions, (b) which ER strategies their caregivers use, and (c) on the factors affecting their ER, including caregivers' strategies?”. In order to answer this question, 14 individuals, included 8 women (mean age=21.4) and 6 men (mean age=21.6), explained ER processes in detail in audio recorded semi-structured interviews and in online diaries. The data was transcribed, coded and analyzed using thematic analysis in line with guidelines of Braun and Clarke (2006). It is comprehended that ER strategies of young adults and their caregivers have similarities. These are expressed in 3 main themes as strategies based on mental processes, strategies based on interaction with others and strategies based on exposure. It is seen that the experiences of ER are more complex than those mentioned in the literature and the participants think that their ER strategies are not only affected by their caregivers but also many other factors. Therefore, this study examines young adults' views on their own and caregivers' ER processes and on factors affecting ER, and differs from existing research in the literature in that it is qualitative, includes fathers and other caregivers, and includes expressions of young adults.