Affect Regulation Theory

Affect Regulation Theory explores how core emotions formulate in and between family members, peers, and school. The biological systems to regulate human arousal is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS coordinates how we manage arousal and rest and restore.  The ANS is not fully formed at birth, therefore factors in our social environment influence the manner one learns to regulate emotions.  Stress factors in first 10 years of life have significant influence on how we regulate our emotions.  Emotional management also influences development milestones such as social interaction, task orientated milestones, attention, and competency.  Creating a safe environment where children can maintain security, while autonomously moving through stages of development is optimal.