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The Development of Self-Control of Emotion: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Influences

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Abstract

In this paper, we review evidence that supports the notion that intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the development of self-control of emotions. Intrinsic factors include the infant's temperament, and cognitive processes such as attention and inhibitory control. Extrinsic factors involve the caregiving environment, sibling and peer relationships, and cultural expectations regarding emotional displays. Integrative approaches to the study of the development of self-control of emotion will be most fruitful if investigations examine the interplay, over time, among these internal and external factors.

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  1. Department of Human Development, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

    Nathan A. Fox

  2. Department of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina

    Susan D. Calkins

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Fox, N.A., Calkins, S.D. The Development of Self-Control of Emotion: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Influences. Motivation and Emotion 27, 7–26 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023622324898

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