Children whose irritability does not reduce between ages three and seven are at higher risk of depression and self-harm as teenagers. Dr. Ramya Srinivasan shares more about the study
The research looked at data from more than 7,000 children
The research looked at data from more than 7,000 children - PHOTO ADOBE STOCK

Children's emotional regulation skills are a fundamental aspect of child development during their early years. Without emotional regulation, i.e., the ability to manage challenging emotions, children cannot form and manage healthy social relationships, make good choices, learn effectively and cope with life's challenges. This can have a long-term impact on functioning across many domains of life, including mental health and wellbeing.

A study by UCL researchers, published last year in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP), suggests interventions by early years educators that help parents and caregivers support children with high irritability could reduce their future risk of mental illness as they get older.

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