The Connection Between Interoception and Emotional Regulation

In the world of occupational therapy, interoception—a term that refers to the ability to sense and interpret internal bodily signals—plays a key role in emotional regulation. From recognizing a racing heartbeat during anxiety to noticing the butterflies of excitement, interoceptive awareness helps us make sense of our emotions. But what happens when interoception is limited or absent? Can emotional regulation still be achieved?

Understanding Interoception

Interoception is the internal sense that allows us to perceive the physiological condition of our body. This includes signals like hunger, thirst, temperature, and heart rate. According to Craig (2015),these sensations create the foundation for understanding and responding to emotional states. For instance, recognizing the physical symptoms of stress—like a tight chest or a pounding heart—enables us to identify and regulate those feelings.

Interoception and Emotional Regulation

Research shows that interoception is closely tied to emotional regulation. Emotional regulation involves recognizing, understanding, and responding to emotions in a way that promotes well-being and supports goals. As noted by Mahler et al. (2022), children with autism who participated in an interoception-focused intervention showed significant improvements in both interoceptive awareness and emotional regulation. This highlights that understanding bodily sensations is a foundational step toward managing emotions effectively.

Can Emotional Regulation Happen Without Interoception?

The short answer is yes, but it may be more challenging. Individuals with limited interoceptive awareness can still develop emotional regulation skills through other means:

• Compensatory Strategies: People can rely on external cues and routines to guide their emotional responses. For example, using visual supports or structured activities can help individuals predict and manage emotional states.

• Cognitive Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness, thought reframing, and problem-solving can promote emotional regulation without relying heavily on interoception. As Price and Hooven (2018) suggest, these strategies often serve as alternative pathways to managing emotions.

• Building Interoception Gradually: While working on emotional regulation, therapists can incorporate activities that build interoceptive awareness. Techniques such as body scanning, mindful breathing, or sensory-based interventions help individuals reconnect with their internal signals over time.

The Role of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists often take a dual approach, working on emotional regulation while building interoceptive awareness. As described by Schmitt and Schoen (2022), fostering interoception creates a foundation for emotional safety and meaningful participation in life. By blending cognitive strategies with sensory-based interventions, therapists empower individuals to manage their emotions more effectively, even in the absence of strong interoceptive skills.

Conclusion

While interoception enhances emotional regulation, it is notan absolute requirement. With the right strategies and interventions, individuals can build their capacity for emotional regulation and improve interoceptive awareness over time. It’s a journey of growth, and progress is always possible.

References

1. Craig, A. D. (2015). How do you feel? Interoception: The sense of the physiological condition of the body. Nature ReviewsNeuroscience, 3(8), 655-666.

2. Mahler, K., et al. (2022). The impact of The Interoception Curriculum on emotional regulation in autistic children. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention.

3. Price, C. J., & Hooven, C. (2018). Interoceptive awareness skills for emotional regulation. Frontiers in Psychology, 9,798.

4. Schmitt, L. M., & Schoen, S. A. (2022).Interoception and emotional regulation in therapeutic practice. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(4), 7604347010p1–7604347010p9.