Abstract

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the main findings and theoretical models on emotional regulation. After clarifying the conceptual framework, and providing an attempt to formalize what emotional regulation is and why we need a field of research that studies these aspects, the main theoretical models and brain mechanisms involved, are presented. There follow a series of fundamental questions that future research needs to address. Why do we regulate emotions? What do we regulate when we regulate emotions? Can we distinguish strategies based on their effect? How is this field of research affecting clinical practice? What are the psychophysiological mechanisms involved? These questions await answers and can ultimately help us to understand the real nature of emotions