Emotion regulation parent group intervention: A mixed method evaluation

Background: The importance of emotional regulation on our capacity to function in the world has been comprehensively addressed in the research literature. According to attachment theory and research, the quality of parent-child interactions has a significant influence on children’s development of emotion regulation. In fact, emotion regulation is now regarded as an essential component of effective parenting. Much of the evidence-based parent training programmes delivered universally are cognitive and behaviour based. Although these programmes do contain elements of emotion regulation and relationship skills training, the emphasis is on behavioural management. In Ireland relationship-based parent training programmes have yet to be established, and consequently the evidence base is difficult to find.