Exploring Disparities in Emotional Regulation among School Aged Children: A Comparative Study between Urban Impoverished and Non-Impoverished Areas

Abstract

The current research study investigates the differences in emotional regulation between school aged children living in urban impoverished and non-impoverished areas, with a particular emphasis on cognitive reappraisal and suppression as key variables. The study used Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ-CA) on a sample size of 200 children and adolescents; 100 from both socioeconomic situations to examine differences, using independent samples t-tests in emotional control mechanisms across these groups. The research shows a significant difference in cognitive reappraisal scores (t = -2.735, df = 198, p = 0.007), showing a distinct lack of cognitive reappraisal skills among persons from urban poverty areas compared to their non-impoverished counterparts. In contrast, the evaluation of suppression scores produces no significant difference (t = 0.725, df = 198, p = 0.469) between the two groups. Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in understanding and treating emotional development challenges among children and adolescents, as there are significant differences in emotional regulation across different strata.