An Integrated Approach to the Conceptualization of Emotion Regulation in Diverse Cultures

Emotions are socially valued in different ways in different cultures. Low-arousal emotions are valued more in collectivist cultures, whereas high-arousal emotions are valued in Western cultures. In emotion research, basic emotion and dimensional approaches to emotions are used. It is noted that the Indian scholarly tradition has an emotion approach known as the rasa theory. Emotion regulation has been approached from several vantage points, and is treated as a habitual response to emotional experiences and as an ability. Emotion regulation takes place within a cultural context in everyday life, and has become a theme of multidisciplinary interest. It is shown that some measures of emotional intelligence also have components of emotion regulation. This chapter critically examines emotion regulation and the different measures used in research. We provide a perspective for the need to evolve an integrated model of emotion regulation, which blends Western theoretical models with the scheme of emotions enunciated in Bharata’s Natyasastra. The implications of this initiative are indicated.