Emotion regulation and student engagement: Age and gender differences during adolescence. (2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santos, Anabela C.; Simões, Celeste; Cefai, Carmel; Freitas, Eunice; Arriaga, Patrícia
• Is Part Of: International journal of educational research. Volume 109(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021
• Subjects: Adolescents -- Emotion regulation -- Gender -- Student engagement -- Youth; Education -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Curriculum evaluation -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Program Evaluation -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Évaluation -- Périodiques; Programmes d'études -- Evaluation -- Périodiques; Éducation -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Curriculum evaluation; Education -- Evaluation; Periodicals; 370.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2021.101830
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0355

Abstract

Highlights: 10-12 and 19-25 age groups had higher student engagement. The engagement was lower for males and 13-15- and 16-18 age-groups. Acceptance and Positive reappraisal were the two most reported strategies for all. Positive reappraisal and Refocus on planning are related to higher student engagement. Refocus on planning predicted higher engagement in all age groups. Abstract: Research has documented the role of emotions in learning and emotion regulation for student engagement (SE). However, knowledge regarding the predictive power of emotion regulation strategies (ERSs) on SE at different age-groups was lacking. Also, our study aimed to provide data on ERSs use based on age and gender since findings are mixed. This cross-sectional study included a representative sample ( N = 1507) of Portuguese students between 10 and 25 years. The sample was divided into four age-groups (10-12, 13-15, 16-18, 19-25). Results indicated ERSs varied with age, with some having a linear developmental pattern (e.g., Putting into Perspective) and others a non-linear (e.g., Positive Reappraisal). SE was higher in females and the youngest and oldest age-groups. Higher SE was related to using more adaptive strategies, and the ERS Refocus on Planning best correlated with the higher SE scores for every age-group.