Maladaptive emotion regulation occurs when the regulatory processes do not have the desired effect on emotion, or when the short-term gain of the regulatory effect (for example, to suppress anxiety) is outweighed by a long-term consequence of that regulation (for example, decreased quality of life). 

University of Toledo

The study of Emotion Regulation within the lens of Neurobiology. More specifically, understanding what brain functions correspond to Emotion Regulation. 

The Neurobiology of Emotion Regulation

Wheeler, M., Arnkoff, D., & Glass, C. (2017). The Neuroscience of Mindfulness: How Mindfulness Alters the Brain and Facilitates Emotion Regulation. Mindfulness, 8(6), 1471-1487.

How Mindfulness Alters the Brain and Facilitates Emotion Regulation

- Anterior Cingulate Cortex
- Insular Cortex
- Prefrontal Cortex
- Amygdala

Areas of the Brain Responsible for Mindfulness

Maladaptive Emotion Regulation

Mindfulness practitioners show more activity in areas of the brain that support more momentary, experiential, self-focus (such as the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the interior cortex, and the secondary somatosensory cortex). 

Brain Activity of Mindfulness Practitioners

The greater amount of grey matter within the right amygdala, the lesser activity and thus the greater cognitive control of stressful/fearful emotional responses. This is likely because the amygdala is inhibited by the Prefrontal Cortex at rest. Thus the result is greater top-down control of the emotions.

Mindfully Trained Right Amygdala

Labeling emotions seems to aid in the ability to detach from them. Having the ability to detach from negative emotions will help generate greater positive psychology. 

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