When, why, how, and for whom is emotion regulation relevant to exposures? Systematic literature review of emotion regulation in ERP for pediatric OCD
摘要
This article explores the current peer-reviewed literature on emotion regulation in children and adolescents participating in evidence-based exposure and response prevention (ERP). A systematic review was conducted to identify articles (quantitative and qualitative) on ERP for pediatric OCD that considered emotion regulation and related constructs. Data were extracted to identify common themes and extant recommendations, and current literature gaps.
Recent FindingsOf 2842 screened articles, 28 met inclusion criteria: 20 were review, recommendation, or clinical papers that did not empirically examine emotion regulation in the context of treatment, while eight were empirical ERP investigations including some emotion regulation measure as a predictor, moderator, or outcome of treatment. Coding of articles revealed themes relevant to a) several ways that emotion regulation difficulties might interfere with ERP, b) use of evidence-based strategies to enhance emotion regulation including, but not limited to, teaching emotion regulation or distress tolerance skills, and c) inconsistencies in how emotion regulation is operationally defined, measured, and tested as a predictor, moderator, and/or outcome of ERP.
SummaryDevelopment of guidelines for measuring and addressing emotion regulation as part of pediatric OCD treatment may advance research for and improve clinical care of youth with OCD.