EC would be expected to affect maladjustment by contributing to the processing of information, as well as to the modulation of emotion and behavior. For example, the abilities to move attention from negative thoughts and to focus on affectively neutral or positive thoughts and activities seem to be important for cutting off negative emotion and have been linked to low levels of anger, anxiety, and depression (Derryberry & Reed, 2002; Derryberry & Rothbart, 1988; Silk, Steinberg, & Morris, 2003). Moreover, focusing on new stimuli or engaging in a new activity appears to reduce distress (Erber & Tesser, 1992; Harman, Rothbart, & Posner, 1997). The ability to focus attention is also likely to aid in planning behavior (Eronen, Nurmi, & Salmela-Aro, 1997; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [NICHD] Early Child Care Research Network, 2005), which can be used to cope successfully with stressful situations. Attentional control may be especially important for reducing internalizing symptoms such as sadness and anxiety, as well as the anger that is implicated in reactive (emotionally driven) aggression and defiance. In addition, the ability to effortfully rein in behavioral impulses has obvious implications for precluding externalizing problems (Eisenberg, Fabes, Guthrie, & Reiser, 2000).
