Affect Regulation

Affect is a clinical term used to describe emotions (inner feelings) and one’s demeanor (external facial expressions and body language). Affect regulation is an individual’s level of ability to monitor and control his or her own behaviors as related to his or her own emotional state. This entry examines how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are related to affect regulation; how societal expectations and norms play a role in affect regulation; and how affect regulation is related to risk management, stabilization of, and prevention of emotional escalation that leads to crises. The entry concludes with a brief discussion of different techniques and models used to assist individuals in developing affect regulation skills.