Author Name: – Anagha Gouri Girish Date:- 24 March 2026
Background: This study explored the relationship between emotional regulation skills and anxiety in children aged 6 to 12 years, comparing those with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) to those without. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected via an online parent-report questionnaire incorporating the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) and the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale – Parent Version (SCAS-P). Forty-one valid responses were analysed, with 20 children diagnosed with SpLD and 21 without. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between emotion regulation and anxiety, indicating that stronger emotional regulation skills are associated with lower anxiety levels. Additionally, multiple regression analyses showed that emotion regulation significantly predicted anxiety even after accounting for age, gender, and SpLD status. However, SpLD status did not independently predict anxiety once emotional regulation was controlled for. These findings highlight the critical role of emotional regulation in childhood anxiety, regardless of SpLD diagnosis. Implications for early intervention, support strategies in educational and clinical contexts, and further research directions are discussed.
