Question: How does a long-term explanation of the changing, historical shifts in emotional regulation in society help to explain some of the contemporary experiences of childhood?

Expert answer

A long-term explanation of the changing, historical shifts in emotional regulation in society helps to explain some of the contemporary experiences of childhood. For example, the increased emphasis on self-control and emotional regulation in recent years has led to children being expected to control their emotions more than in the past. This can be a source of stress for children, who may feel like they are not meeting expectations or that they are not good enough. Additionally, the increased focus on academic achievement and standardized testing can also add to the pressure children feel to perform well. These contemporary experiences of childhood can be better understood by considering the historical changes in emotional regulation in society.