World Mental Health Day | New report on emotional regulation

Researchers at the University of South Wales (USW) have published a comprehensive report on assisting in the management of emotions.

Emotional regulation is a key component of mental health and professionals (such as counsellors or therapists) use a range of ways to help people to manage their emotions.

For this report, some of these interventions have been reviewed with the aim to guide professionals who are supporting individuals in managing their emotions. This can lead to better mental health outcomes.

Part-funded by Improvement Cymru, NHS Wales Executive, the report provides an in-depth analysis of various interventions designed to enhance emotional regulation across different age groups. It is planned the findings from the report will be incorporated into the ‘Matrics Cymru’ and ‘Plant’ guidance documents, which are designed to help plan and deliver evidence-based psychological therapies in Wales. It ensures that local authorities, health boards, and related organizations provide consistent, high-quality care across mental health services.

The report highlights the importance of using tailored, evidence-based approaches to support emotional health across different stages of life. Several approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, have proven successful in fostering better emotional regulation. These strategies help individuals build skills to manage their emotions in healthier, more productive ways.

A key takeaway from the report is the importance of tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different age groups. For instance, techniques effective for adults might not be helpful for children or teenagers. Furthermore, the report stresses the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches, ensuring that interventions are adaptable to diverse populations.

The benefits of early intervention are highlighted as particularly impactful. Introducing emotional regulation strategies early in life can lead to long-term positive effects, including improved mental health, better academic performance, and enhanced social relationships.

Innovative methods like biofeedback and virtual reality therapies also show great promise. These new techniques engage users in real-time, offering immediate feedback on their emotional states and fostering more active participation in emotional regulation efforts.

Lead Author, Dr. Deborah Lancastle, said: “Our findings emphasise the critical role of emotional regulation in mental health and overall well-being. By identifying effective interventions, we hope to inform educators, clinicians, and policymakers about best practices for supporting individuals in managing their emotions, leading to more resilient and adaptive communities.”

The research team included: Dr Phil Tyson, Dr Nyle Davies, Dr Alexis Jones, Taf Kunorubwe, Dr Shelley Gait, Professor Bev John, Professor Gareth Roderique-Davies, Andrea Gray, and Josh Molina.