Our Priority Research Areas

There are 5 key areas that we focus on in our research at The Self-Regulation Institute.

The 5 Domains of Stress

The first area explores existing research about stress and looks to reframe this work from a Self-Reg perspective. Under the direction of Dr. Stuart Shanker, researchers are investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of stress and misconceptions about stress.

Transition Conditions Between Positive and Negative Stressors

Researchers are seeking to explore the nature and definitions of positive and negative stress by mining existing research about the causes of stress, the often-sudden conditions under which stress changes from positive to negative, or vice versa, and existing approaches to stress management.

Reframing Scientific Theories

The process of Self-Reg Reframing considers reframing scientific theories through a Self-Reg lens. Under the direction of Dr. Shanker and Dr. Susan Hopkins, researchers are discovering incredibly rich new veins of understanding in already heavily mined areas.

Self-Reg In Practice

The fourth area considers Self-Reg as a practice and a process. Under the direction of lead researcher Dr. Susan Hopkins, researchers are exploring the extensive body of literature about the idea of practice. The research team is seeking to refine the psychophysiological view of self-regulation, as well as comparing the psychotherapeutic, behaviorist, and reflective approaches to practice.

Review of Self-Reg Measures

The final area of the research review is an extensive look at existing measures of self-regulation. Under the direction of Dr. Brenda Smith-Chant, researchers are rigorously reviewing existing measures. The ultimate goal of this research area is to develop thorough, sustainable, and valid measures of self-regulation for use in schools, early childhood programs, community organizations, health initiatives and research studies.

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