Emotional regulation parenting programs based on cognitive behavioral therapy: a systematic review

This systematic review aims to identify and analyze parenting programs focused on emotional regulation that are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Emotional regulation has been increasingly recognized as a transdiagnostic factor associated with the development and maintenance of childhood emotional and behavioral difficulties. In this context, parenting interventions targeting emotional socialization, parental emotional regulation, and adaptive parent-child interactions may play an important preventive and therapeutic role. Evidence suggests that parenting programs can improve children’s emotional and behavioral adjustment as well as parental psychosocial well-being. Recent studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT-based parenting interventions in reducing disruptive behaviors and improving parenting skills. However, important gaps remain regarding the specific characteristics, mechanisms, and effectiveness of emotional regulation-focused parenting programs. This review seeks to synthesize the available evidence regarding: 1)Which CBT-based parenting programs focused on emotional regulation have been developed and studied; 2) Their theoretical foundations and intervention components; 3) Their target populations and delivery formats; 4) Their reported outcomes related to emotional regulation, parenting practices, and child emotional/behavioral functioning. The review will follow systematic review methodological guidelines and include studies involving parenting interventions grounded in CBT approaches aimed at emotional regulation processes in parents and/or children. This project intends to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based parenting interventions and to support the development of emotionally informed preventive and clinical practices for families and children.