DATING
What Is
Co-Regulation In A Relationship?
By ROW LIGHT
Co-regulation is an interactive process of regulatory support that can occur within the context of caring relationships. A recent study shows we’ve likely been doing this since infancy, starting with the earliest interactions with our parents.
Positive or negative emotions and physiological experiences between two people may influence the levels of oxytocin, or the love hormone, in each other's nervous systems. Which means we are often unconsciously co-regulating or affecting our partner's emotional and physiological state.
Unfortunately, this means we are also capable of dysregulating our partners when our own nervous systems enter fight, flight, or freeze mode. Learning how to properly co-regulate with your partner will build deeper trust between you and your loved one.