Emotion socialization in parental relationships: A scoping review
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31211/rpics.2026.12.2.422Keywords:
Child development, Emotional regulation, Emotional socialization, Family relationships, Parenting strategies, Scoping reviewAbstract
Objective: Emotional socialization in parent–child relationships is fundamental to healthy emotional development in children and influences their social skills, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being. However, gaps remain regarding specific mechanisms and their effects throughout diverse family contexts. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize scientific literature on emotional socialization in parental relationships and examine how parental strategies relate to children’s emotional and behavioral development. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted in SciELO, PePSIC, CAPES, and PsycNet databases up to May 2025. From an initial set of 151 articles, a final selection of 32 documents (nine theoretical and 23 empirical, spanning longitudinal, observational, and experimental designs) underwent thematic analysis. Results: The synthesis of findings was organized into three thematic axes: (a) the relationship of parenting practices with child emotional regulation; (b) intrapersonal emotional variables; and (c) family characteristics and contexts. Parental practices that validate emotions and provide support promote emotional competence, self-esteem, and social skills. Authoritarian, neglectful, and punitive styles are linked to difficulties in emotional regulation and externalizing behaviors. Cultural influences, sociodemographic factors, and adverse contexts affect strategy effectiveness. Conclusions: Balanced parental emotional socialization is essential for healthy child development, highlighting the need for culturally adapted psychoeducational interventions and policies that foster safe family environments. Further research involving multiple caregivers and cultural diversity is recommended to improve practice in this field.
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