Understanding the Relationship Between Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation: A Cascade of Emotions

• Other Authors: Selby, Edward A. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-0277

Recent research suggests that many dysregulated behaviors, such as binge-eating and non-suicidal self-injury, often occur during times of emotional distress. These behaviors also appear to decrease negative affect. Why is it, however, that individuals engage in these behaviors to reduce emotional distress rather than taking a shower or talking to a friend? This study proposes the role of emotional cascades, an emotional phenomenon that occurs when an individual intensely ruminates on negative affect, thus intensifying that negative affect to the point that an individual engages in a dysregulated behavior in order to distract from that rumination. The purpose of these studies was to examine the relationship between rumination and dysregulated behaviors, and in doing so determine if there is some support for the emotional cascade model. Using two different studies we were able to demonstrate that rumination is associated with some dysregulated behaviors, both cross-sectionally using structural equation modeling, and temporally using a two time-point method. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Degree Awarded: Summer Semester, 2007. === Date of Defense: June 26, 2007. === Emotion Dysregulation, Behavioral Dysregulation, Rumination, Binge-Eating, Catastrophizing, Behavioral Dysregulation === Includes bibliographical references. === Thomas Joiner, Professor Directing Thesis; Norman B. Schmidt, Committee Member; Chris Schatschneider, Committee Member.