Ann-Margret Rydell, Lisa Berlin, and Gunilla Bohlin

This study investigated relations between emotionality, emotion regulation,  and children's behavioral adaptation in a longitudinal design. Mothers rated  emotionality and emotion regulation related to anger, fear, and positive  emotions-exuberance for 151 children at age 5 and later at age 6 years 6 months.  Emotionality and emotion regulation measures were modestly related. Preschool  ratings at age 6(n=125), maternal ratings at age 6 years 6 months ( n =133), and  elementary school ratings at age 8 ( n =135) of problems and competence were  also collected. High anger emotionality and low regulation of positive emotions  and exuberance predicted externalizing problem behavior and prosocial behavior.  High fear emotionality and low fear regulation predicted internalizing problem  behavior. There were few interactive effects of emotionality and regulation.