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Cultural Pathways to Socio-Emotional Development and Learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 October 2017

Elena Savina  and
Kayan Phoebe Wan
Elena Savina*
Affiliation:
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA Orel State University, Oyrol, Russia
Kayan Phoebe Wan
Affiliation:
University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
*
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Elena Savina, Department of Graduate Psychology, James Madison University, 70 Alumnae Dr., MSC 7401, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA. Email: savinaea@jmu.edu
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Abstract

This article discusses the role of culture in children's emotional development and learning. Cultural orientation regarding self and relationships with others shapes cultural models of emotion regulation and expression. While independent cultures support open expression of emotions, interdependent cultures value the modulation of emotions. Children learn culture-appropriate ways of emotion regulation through socialisation in the family, acquisition of language, exposure to cultural products (e.g., children's books), and school activities. This article offers recommendations on how to design culture-grounded socio-emotional programs that take into account cultural values, indigenous content, and emotion regulation strategies contingent with culture-specific adaptive goals.

Keywords

cultureemotion regulationsocio-emotional learning
Type
Review Article
Information
Journal of Relationships Research , Volume 8 , 2017 , e19
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2017 

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