A Brief Group-Based Emotion Regulation Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults with Emotion Dysregulation: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2026 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s10578-026-02043-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are developmental periods marked by rapid biological, cognitive, and social changes during which emotion dysregulation may intensify and be accompanied by maladaptive cognitive and/or behavioral strategies. This single-arm pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary clinical outcomes of a brief group-based emotion regulation program for adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 20. Forty-six participants were recruited from outpatient child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry services within a university hospital setting. Clinician-administered diagnostic interviews, including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Axis II Disorders, were conducted at baseline only, whereas self-report measures and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and at three-month follow-up. Feasibility was supported by acceptability and engagement, reflected in attendance and retention rates. Participants reported a significant increase in adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire). Suicidal ideation and behaviors showed a marked and sustained decrease over time. These preliminary findings support the feasibility of this brief group-based intervention and suggest potential clinical benefits that would warrant further confirmation in controlled trials.

PMID:42301367 | DOI:10.1007/s10578-026-02043-1