Abstract

ANDRES, María Laura et al. Executive functions and Cognitive Reappraisal ability: the relationship in children. Psicol. caribe [online]. 2016, vol.33, n.2, pp.169-189. ISSN 0123-417X.  https://doi.org/10.14482/psdc.33.2.7278.

The Cognitive Reappraisal Ability (CRA) is an emotional regulation strategy that involves giving a new meaning to an event in order to change the emotional response. In children, this skill helps reduce negative emotional experiences and has proven to be a protective factor against anxiety and depression. However, there's still the need to understand the factors that may influence on the individual differences in the CRA. One of these factors is executive functions, since they contribute to the cognitive control of emotion. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of executive functions in the CRA. We evaluated 100 children whose ages ranged from 9 to 12 years (M=10,49; DS=1,10) on their working memory capacity, spontaneous cognitive flexibility, inhibition and CRA using a Verbal Span Task (AWMA) , Verbal Fluency Task (ENI Battery) and a Cognitive Reappraisal Task CRT, which was designed for this research. Data set was analyzed by linear regression analysis. The results showed executive functions preceded CRA, i.e. children who performed better in executive functioning showed higher CRA. It is expected that these results permit a deeper understanding of the processes involved in cognitive control of emotion.

Keywords : executive functioning; emotional regulation; cognitive reappraisal ability; children.

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