Meta-emotion and socialization of emotion in the family - A topic whose time has come: Comment on Gottman et al. (1996)

J. M. Gottman, L. F. Katz, and C. Hooven (1996) proposed a conceptual framework and process-oriented model of the socialization of emotion that has proved fruitful in their own research and is likely to guide future research efforts. In this comment, aspects of their model, including the conceptualization of meta-emotion and the distinction between meta-emotion and parenting behavior, are discussed, with suggestions offered for further modifications of aspects of the model or research that is based on the model. In addition, distinctions among various modes of regulation are con-sidered, and some implications of these distinctions for research are suggested. Furthermore, Gottman et al.'s conclusion that temperament was unrelated to parents' meta-emotion is questioned in light of other data.