Coregulation
Encyclopedia
Coregulation is a term described by psychologist Alan Fogel, as a "continuous unfolding of individual action that is susceptible to being continuously modified by the continuously changing actions of the partner." An important aspect of this idea is that communication
is a continuous and dynamic process, rather than the exchange of discrete information. Fogel set forth his ideas in his 1993 book, Developing Through Relationships. As a simple example of coregulation, a speaker may adjust their words or tone of voice based on their perceptions of a listener's facial expressions or body language - and this may occur on an ongoing basis. Fogel asserts that coregulation is creative because social partners create meaning dynamically together, rather than simply exchanging information about what was known to them prior to their interaction. In a recent paper, Fogel and a colleague, Andrea Garvey, propose a theoretical model of "Alive Communication" which is based on dynamic systems theory
and includes three linked processes, coregulation, "ordinary variability," and innovation .
have extremely minimal, or no coregulation, and without intervention cannot participate in social interaction as equal partners.Autism Spectrum Quarterly Winter 2005 Coregulation is a key concept in Relationship Development Intervention
, a treatment program for autism
and Asperger syndrome
.
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
is a continuous and dynamic process, rather than the exchange of discrete information. Fogel set forth his ideas in his 1993 book, Developing Through Relationships. As a simple example of coregulation, a speaker may adjust their words or tone of voice based on their perceptions of a listener's facial expressions or body language - and this may occur on an ongoing basis. Fogel asserts that coregulation is creative because social partners create meaning dynamically together, rather than simply exchanging information about what was known to them prior to their interaction. In a recent paper, Fogel and a colleague, Andrea Garvey, propose a theoretical model of "Alive Communication" which is based on dynamic systems theory
Systems theory
Systems theory is the transdisciplinary study of systems in general, with the goal of elucidating principles that can be applied to all types of systems at all nesting levels in all fields of research...
and includes three linked processes, coregulation, "ordinary variability," and innovation .
Autism
Individuals on the autism spectrumAutism spectrum
The term "autism spectrum" is often used to describe disorders that are currently classified as pervasive developmental disorders. Pervasive developmental disorders include autism, Asperger syndrome, Childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise...
have extremely minimal, or no coregulation, and without intervention cannot participate in social interaction as equal partners.Autism Spectrum Quarterly Winter 2005 Coregulation is a key concept in Relationship Development Intervention
Relationship Development Intervention
Relationship Development Intervention is a trademarked proprietary treatment program for autism spectrum disorders , based on the belief that the development of dynamic intelligence is the key to improving the quality of life for individuals with autism...
, a treatment program for autism
Autism
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their...
and Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome
Asperger's syndrome that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development...
.