Strengthening emotion regulation through emotional literacy in children living in child protection homes

Tatlı Harmancı S., Güngör Aytar F. A.

Journal of Public Child Welfare, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/15548732.2026.2649787
  • Journal Name: Journal of Public Child Welfare
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Keywords: child protection homes, education program, emotion regulation, emotion regulation strategies, Emotional literacy, experimental research
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of an emotional literacy education program on emotion regulation skills of children living in child protection homes. Using a mixed-methods design, the study involved 22 children aged 8–12 from two provinces in Turkey. The researcher-developed program was implemented with the experimental group over 12 weeks. Quantitative data were collected through adapted child and adult forms of the Emotion Regulation Scale, while qualitative data included focus groups, emotion diaries, and researcher logs. Findings indicated significant improvements in emotion regulation and reduced emotional intensity. Qualitative results supported these outcomes, showing that children used emotion regulation strategies.