Changes In Self-regulation Research Articles

The Impact of Family-Centered Prevention on Self-Regulation and Subsequent Long-Term Risk in Emerging Adults.

Emerging adulthood is characterized by not only opportunity and transition but also a substantial increase in risk behaviors (Fosco et al. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(4), 565-575, 2012; Johnston et al. 2016). Building on prior research, we tested a mediational model hypothesizing that Family Check-Up (FCU) intervention effects on young adult risk would be mediated by increases in self-regulation, and that these changes would continue to affect risk behavior as high school youths transitioned to young adulthood. We also predicted that the intent-to-treat intervention would be associated with lower levels of risk in young adulthood and that this effect would be accounted for by intervention-induced improvements in self-regulation during early adolescence, which in turn would prevent young adult risk. Participants were 593 adolescents and their families recruited from three public middle schools and randomized either to the FCU or to a control group. Item response theory was applied to construct a measure of high-risk behavior at this age, including risk behaviors such as substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, and vocational risk. Results suggested that changes in children's self-regulation that occurred early during the middle school years, and that were associated with the FCU, led to reductions in risk behaviors during young adulthood. This study builds on our prior research that has suggested that effects of the FCU during middle school lead to changes in a range of risk behaviors during the transition to high school (Fosco et al. Journal of School Psychology, 51(4), 455-468, 2013; Stormshak et al. School Mental Health, 2(2), 82-9, 2010).

Effects of mood change on self-regulatory skill usage and subsequent impacts on physical activity and eating changes within the weight-loss phase of differing behavioral obesity treatment types: A retrospective cohort study

IntroductionPrevious research suggests the value of self-regulation for facilitating weight-loss behaviors. This study aimed to determine if improved mood has a facilitative effect on the self-regulation of healthy eating and exercise outputs associated within behavioral obesity treatments. MethodsData were from women with obesity (mean age=47.1±8.4years; mean BMI=35.0±3.2kg/m2) who previously participated in one of two community-based weight-loss treatment types over 6 months. One supported manual-based education on the need for healthy eating and increased exercise (n=127). The other focused on self-regulation skills applied first to exercise, then eating behaviors (n=107). Changes in exercise- and eating-related self-regulation, negative mood, exercise and eating behaviors, and weight were assessed. ResultsFor both the psychological, exercise, and eating changes, effect sizes for within-group improvements were uniformly larger in the self-regulation group. Weight loss was 2.1% in the education group, and 6.3% in the self-regulation group. Based on 95% confidence intervals, changes in self-regulation over 3 months significantly mediated the prediction of changes in exercise, fruit/vegetable intake, and sweets consumption over 6 months by treatment type. Change over 3 months in mood significantly moderated (p-values≤0.01) the above-indicated association of treatment type with self-regulation change. Mood score at month 3 was also a significant moderator (p-values<0.05) in the models predicting eating changes. Increased fruit/vegetable intake significantly predicted reduced weight (p=0.009), and reduced sweets, bread products, and dairy (p-values≤0.01). ConclusionFindings clarified benefits for targeting self-regulation and mood within behavioral weight-loss treatments that go well-beyond typical processes of providing education on desirable behaviors.

Changes in time-related academic behaviour are associated with contextual motivational shifts

Research in the field of time-related academic behaviour (i.e. procrastination and timely engagement) has traditionally been focused on more stable factors, such as personality. Recent research suggests there may be a motivational component to these behaviours. The present study examines whether time-related academic behaviour is stable across time and context, and the degree to which change is predicted by contextual and motivational factors. The sample was comprised of 453 undergraduate college students at a large public university in the Midwestern US. We found that time-related academic behaviours were not stable, and changes in those behaviours were most closely linked to changes in self-efficacy, self-regulation and mastery-approach achievement goals.

Targeting self-regulation to promote health behaviors in children

Poor self-regulation (i.e., inability to harness cognitive, emotional, motivational resources to achieve goals) is hypothesized to contribute to unhealthy behaviors across the lifespan. Enhancing early self-regulation may increase positive health outcomes. Obesity is a major public health concern with early-emerging precursors related to self-regulation; it is therefore a good model for understanding self-regulation and health behavior. Preadolescence is a transition when children increase autonomy in health behaviors (e.g., eating, exercise habits), many of which involve self-regulation. This paper presents the scientific rationale for examining self-regulation mechanisms that are hypothesized to relate to health behaviors, specifically obesogenic eating, that have not been examined in children. We describe novel intervention protocols designed to enhance self-regulation skills, specifically executive functioning, emotion regulation, future-oriented thinking, and approach bias. Interventions are delivered via home visits. Assays of self-regulation and obesogenic eating behaviors using behavioral tasks and self-reports are implemented and evaluated to determine feasibility and psychometrics and to test intervention effects. Participants are low-income 9-12 year-old children who have been phenotyped for self-regulation, stress, eating behavior and adiposity through early childhood. Study goals are to examine intervention effects on self-regulation and whether change in self-regulation improves obesogenic eating.

Children’s sports participation and self-regulation: Bi-directional longitudinal associations

Early self-regulation is essential to positive life outcomes and sports are speculated to generate self-regulatory improvements. Preliminary research supports this assertion, showing some sports might yield short-term self-regulatory improvements and elite athletes tend to excel in cognitive functions underlying self-regulation. What remains unclear is whether sports improve self-regulation or better self-regulators engage in sport. We investigated whether sport participation in early childhood (4–5 years) predicted change in children’s self-regulation two years later; and early self-regulation (4–5 years) predicted change in sports participation two years later. Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, which consisted of 4385 children with valid sports participation data at age 4–5 years. Self-regulation was indexed by parent-, teacher-, and observer-report data. Results indicated that young children who participated in individual sports demonstrated marginally but significantly higher self-regulation than those who did not participate. Participation in team sports did not predict change in self-regulation. Moreover, children with poor self-regulation were less likely to participate in sports. The findings provide partial support for hypotheses of bidirectional associations between sport participation and self-regulation in young children.

Boys have not caught up, family influences still continue: Influences on executive functioning and behavioral self-regulation in elementary students in Germany.

The development of self-regulation is influenced by various child-level and family-level characteristics. Previous research focusing on the preschool period reported a female advantage in self-regulation and negative effects of various adverse features of the family environment on self-regulation. The present study aimed to investigate growth in self-regulation (i.e., executive functioning and behavioral self-regulation) over 1 school year during early elementary school and to explore the influences of child sex, the level of home chaos, and family educational resources on self-regulation. Participants were 263 German children (51% girls; mean age 8.59 years, SD = 0.56 years). Data were collected during the fall and spring of the school year. A computer-based standardized test battery was used to assess executive functioning. Caregiver ratings assessed children's behavioral self-regulation and information on the family's home environment (chaotic home environment and educational resources). Results suggest growth in elementary school children's executive functioning over the course of the school year. However, there were no significant changes in children's behavioral self-regulation between the beginning and the end of Grade 3. Sex differences in inhibitory control/cognitive flexibility and behavioral self-regulation were found, suggesting an advantage for girls. Educational resources in the family but not chaotic family environment were significantly related to self-regulation at both time-points. Children from families with more educational resources scored higher on self-regulation measures compared to their counterparts from less advantaged families. We did not find evidence for child-level or family-level characteristics predicting self-regulation growth over time. Findings add to the evidence of a gender gap in self-regulation skills, but suggest that it might not further widen towards the end of elementary school age. Adequate self-regulation skills should be fostered in both girls and boys. Results also add to the importance of supporting self-regulation development in children from disadvantaged family backgrounds early in life.

Exercise Program-Related Psychosocial Changes Promote Healthy Weight in Youth

Background:An inappropriately high weight in children is a predictor of health risks. Reliable interventions that are easily disseminated are needed.Objective:Based on findings with adults, exercise-support methods might be leveraged to change behavioral predictors of a healthy body composition in youth. Analyses of changes in theory-based psychological variables’ association with changes in body composition within the context of youth-tailored treatment are required.Method:A 45 minute/day, 4 day/week, social cognitive/self-efficacy theory-based after-school care protocol, Youth Fit 4 Life, was tested in children of a normal (n=54) and overweight/obese (n=32) body composition over a school year. The treatment’s emphasis was on improvements in mood, self-efficacy, and self-regulation related to physical activity. Validated self-report measures of negative mood, self-regulation, and self-efficacy, and BMI, were administered at baseline, and months 3 and 9. The prediction of BMI change from changes in the psychosocial variables was assessed using multiple regression analyses.Results:Change in BMI and improvements in the aforementioned psychosocial factors were significant over both 3 and 9 months, and did not differ between body composition groups. Analyses indicated that over 3 months, self-regulation change was a significant predictor of BMI change (β=-0.26, SE=0.05, P=0.03), while over 9 months, self-efficacy change significantly predicted BMI change (β=-0.21, SE=0.02, P=0.05).Conclusion:After replications and extensions focused also on eating behaviors, it was suggested that the inexpensive and efficient Youth Fit 4 Life protocol might be scalable across community venues to address childhood overweight and obesity.

Finding The “Self” in Self-Regulation: The Identity-Value Model

ABSTRACTMany psychological theories suggest a link between self-regulation and identity, but, until now, a mechanistic account that suggests ways to improve self-regulation has not been put forth. The identity-value model (IVM) connects the idea from social psychology that aspects of identity such as core values and group affiliations hold positive subjective value to the process-focused account from decision making and behavioral economics that self-regulation is driven by a dynamic value integration across a range of choice attributes. Together, these ideas imply that goal-directed behaviors that are identity relevant are more likely to be enacted because they have greater subjective value than identity-irrelevant behaviors. A central hypothesis, therefore, is that interventions that increase the degree to which a target behavior is perceived as self-relevant will improve self-regulation. In addition, identity-based changes in self-regulation are expected to be mediated by changes in subjective value and its underlying neural systems. In this article we define the key constructs relevant to the IVM, explicate the model and delineate its boundary conditions, and describe how it fits with related theories. We also review disparate results in the research literature that might share identity-related value as a common underlying mechanism of action. We close by discussing questions about the model, the answers to which could advance the study of self-regulation.

Growth in Adolescent Self-Regulation and Impact on Sexual Risk-Taking: A Curve-of-Factors Analysis.

Adolescent self-regulation is increasingly seen as an important predictor of sexual risk-taking behaviors, but little is understood about how changes in self-regulation affect later sexual risk-taking. Family financial stress may affect the development of self-regulation and later engagement in sexual risk-taking. We examined whether family financial stress influences self-regulation in early adolescence (age 13) and growth in self-regulation throughout adolescence (from age 13-17 years). We then assessed the effects of family financial stress, baseline self-regulation, and the development of self-regulation on adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors at age 18 years. Using a curve-of-factors model, we examined these relationships in a 6-year longitudinal study of 470 adolescents (52% female) and their parents from a large northwestern city in the United States. Results indicated that family financial stress was negatively associated with baseline self-regulation but not with growth in self-regulation throughout adolescence. Both baseline self-regulation and growth in self-regulation were predictive of decreased likelihood of engaging in sexual risk-taking. Family financial stress was not predictive of later sexual risk-taking. Intervening to support the development of self-regulation in adolescence may be especially protective against later sexual risk-taking.

Directionality in the Relationship of Self-regulation, Self-efficacy, and Mood Changes in Facilitating Improved Physical Activity and Nutrition Behaviors: Extending Behavioral Theory to Improve Weight-Loss Treatment Effects

ObjectiveTo improve understanding of directionality in the dynamic relationships among psychosocial predictors of behavioral changes associated with weight loss. MethodsIn women with obesity participating in a new behavioral weight-loss treatment that emphasizes physical activity (n = 53; body mass index = 34.7 ± 3.3 kg/m2), mediation and moderated-mediation models were fit to assess directionality in the self-efficacy–self-regulation change relationship and additional effects of mood change and its basis on fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity behaviors through month 6 and from months 6 to 24. ResultsSelf-regulation was a stronger predictor of change in self-efficacy than vice versa. Mood change did not moderate the relationships significantly between changes in self-efficacy and/or self-regulation, and weight loss behavior. Emotional eating significantly changed mediated relationships between changes in mood and fruit/vegetable intake through month 6 (95% confidence interval, –0.05 to 0.00). Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings clarified relationships of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and mood in the prediction of weight loss behaviors, and informed behavioral treatments for improved outcomes.

The effectiveness of teaching positive psychology on dysfunctional attitudes and emotional self-regulation of withdrawing addicts

ObjectiveNegative attitudes and the inability of emotion regulation can make individuals vulnerable against addiction. In this field, the main objective of this study is to investigate effectiveness of teaching positive psychology on dysfunctional attitudes and emotional self-regulation of withdrawing addicts.MethodsThis study is conducted using semi-empirical method in form of pretest posttest. Statistical population consists of all addicted people referred to Addiction Treatment Camps of Karaj by 2015. Among these camps, Vardavard Camp is selected randomly and among the referees, 30 people of those who were qualified to participate in this study and were satisfied for this action were selected and were placed in two experimental and control groups. Experimental group received positive psychology intervention and control group was in waiting list. Both groups fulfilled dysfunctional attitude scale and emotional self-regulation scale in baseline and after treatment. Obtained data have been analyzed using independent t-test and covariance in SPSS-22.FindingThere is significant difference between two groups at the end of intervention in terms of dysfunctional attitudes and emotional self-regulation (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionTeaching positive psychology can lead to change in dysfunctional attitudes and emotional self-regulation of addicted people.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The impact of cognitive training in substance use disorder: the effect of working memory training on impulse control in methamphetamine users

ObjectivesImpulsivity is a vulnerability trait for poor self-regulation in substance use disorder (SUD). Working memory (WM) training improves impulsivity and self-regulation in psychiatric disorders. Here we test WM training in methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).MethodsThere are 15 MUD patients receiving inpatient treatment as usual (TAU) and 20 who additionally completed WM cognitive training (CT) and 25 healthy controls (HC). MANCOVA repeated measures analyses examined changes in impulsivity and self-regulation at baseline and after 4 weeks.ResultsPost hoc t tests confirmed that at baseline, feelings of self-control were significantly lower in the MUD (t = 2.001, p = 0.05) and depression was higher (t = 4.980, p = 0.001), as was BIS total impulsivity (t = 5.370, p = 0.001) compared to the HC group. Total self-regulation score was higher in HC than MUD patients (t = 5.370, p = 0.001). CT had a 35% learning rate (R2 = 0.3523, p < 0.05). Compared to follow-up TAU, follow-up CT group had higher self-reported mood scores (t = 2.784, p = 0.01) and higher compared to CT baseline (t = 2.386, p = 0.036). Feelings of self-control were higher in CT than TAU at follow-up (t = 2.736, p = 0.012) and also compared to CT baseline (t = 3.390, p = 0.006), lack of planning significantly improved in CT between baseline and follow-up (t = 2.219, p = 0.048), as did total impulsivity scores (t = 2.085, p = 0.048). Measures of self-regulation were improved in the CT group compared to TAU at follow-up, in total score (t = 2.442, p = 0.038), receiving score (t = 2.314, p = 0.029) and searching score (t = 2.362, p = 0.027). Implementing self-regulation was higher in the CT group compared to TAU (t = 2.373, p = 0.026).ConclusionsWM training may improve control of impulsivity and self-regulation in people with MUD.

Effects of the Youth Fit 4 Life physical activity/nutrition protocol on body mass index, fitness and targeted social cognitive theory variables in 9- to 12-year-olds during after-school care.

Childhood overweight and obesity is unacceptably high in industrialised nations. School-based interventions have largely been atheoretical and ineffective. This study aimed to test a new theory-based protocol for its effects on measures of fitness and body mass index (BMI), and its proposed psychosocial mediators, during elementary after-school (out-of-school hours) care. Nine- to 12-year-old participants of YMCA-based after-school care in the southeastern Unites States were randomised into either the experimental Youth Fit 4 Life (YF4L) treatment group (n = 86) or a typical care group (n = 55) for 45 min/day. YF4L is based on social cognitive theory, emphasising mastery over physical activities and the development of self-management/self-regulatory skills to support healthy behaviours. Physiological and psychosocial variables were assessed over a 9-month elementary school year. Of the overall sample, 28% were overweight or obese at baseline. YF4L was associated with significantly greater improvements in BMI, and measures of self-regulation, mood, self-efficacy, cardiovascular endurance and strength over both 3 and 9 months. Changes in self-regulation, mood and self-efficacy significantly mediated the treatment type-BMI relationship over both 3 months (R 2 = 0.12, P = 0.002) and 9 months (R 2 = 0.13, P = 0.001), with change in self-regulation being a significant independent mediator. Changes in BMI and self-regulation reciprocally reinforced one another. Gender was not a significant moderator of those relationships. The YF4L treatment mitigated rise in BMI in 9- to 12-year-old enrollees of after-school care. The treatment's basis in social cognitive theory was supported. Because of its positive effects and ability to utilise existing staff, large-scale application is warranted after sufficient replication.

Does image congruence impact the effectiveness of a gain–framed physical activity message?

BackgroundGain–framed messages can improve processing and physical activity, however inconsistency remains about the merits of using different accompanying images. This study explored whether gain–framed messages alongside positive images (congruent) were more effective than negative (incongruent) images at increasing Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs and moderate–to–vigorous physical activity (MVPA).MethodUsing a mixed design participants (N=110) were randomly assigned to read a gain–framed physical activity booklet containing either congruent or incongruent images. Data were collected at two time points (baseline and one week later) using online questionnaires assessing SCT constructs and interviews about MVPA over the previous seven days.ResultsA time by condition interaction showed that intentions (p=.039, η2=.04) and self–efficacy (p=.005, η2=.07)increased in the congruent condition only. There was a time main effect for self–regulation (p=.001, η2=.09) and MVPA (p=.011, η2=.06), but no difference between conditions. Changes in self-regulation predicted changes in MVPA in both conditions (congruent, p=.003; incongruent, p=.030).ConclusionsCongruence between message content and images increased intentions and self–efficacy, but not MVPA. Improving self–regulation may increase physical activity levels regardless of message congruence.

Self-regulation in the process of recovery from alcohol addiction according to Julius Kuhl’s theory

Aim of the studyThe main aim of research is to analyse the dynamics of self-regulation functions in connection with the treatment of people addicted to alcohol. Another goal is to compare 2 groups after one year: those who maintained abstinence and who returned to addiction.Subject or material and methodsThe studies were designed as longitudinal with quasi-experimental procedure. The first measurement was performed in two-week time of treatment, the second at the end of the basic stage of the treatment and the third – after a year. The research was conducted in 12 centres in the group of 977 patients (M 76%, F 24%).ResultsIn ABS group, in Self-motivation, the change was statistically significant between the first and the second measurement. In Activation control in ABS group there was significant difference between the first and the second measurement, and the first and the third measurement. In nABS group the change was significant between the second and the third measurement. After a year the difference between ABS and nABS groups was statistically significant.DiscussionThe research on self-regulation functions was conducted with SSI-K Inventory. Semi-structured interview was performed twice: at the beginning of the treatment and after one year to analyse the indicator of recovery. In the evaluation of the dynamics of self-regulation, ANOVA was used.ConclusionsTreatment and abstinence influence changes in self-regulation. The effects of these changes are observed in people who were maintaining abstinence in one-year period, which indicates their stronger ability to act according to their needs, facilitating the development of ‘Self’.

Mediation of self-regulation and mood in the relationship of changes inhigh emotional eating and nutritional behaviors: Moderating effects ofphysical activity.

High emotional eating (EE) is prevalent in women with obesity. A previous study's subsample of obese women classified as high emotional eaters participated in either a physical activity-focused experimental (n=29) or an educationally focused comparison (n=22) behavioral treatment and was assessed over phases of expected weight loss (baseline-month 6) and short- and long-term regain (months 6-12 and 6-24, respectively). The study's aim was to assess theory-based psychological and behavioral mediation and moderation of changes in nutritional behaviors via emotional eating change in order to inform behavioral weight-loss treatments. During the weight-loss phase, significant improvements in eating self-regulation and mood significantly mediated the relationship of reduced EE and intake of both fruits and vegetables (FV) and sweets. Self-regulation was a significant independent mediator. Physical activity significantly moderated the relationship between EE and self-regulation changes. All variables demonstrated large positive effects and significant time×group interactions favoring the experimental group. During the short and long-term phases of expected weight regain, there were no significant changes in FV intake, although consumption of sweets significantly increased during months 6-24. Change in FV and sweets significantly predicted weight change, which was significantly greater in the experimental vs. comparison group over both the initial 6months (-6.1% vs. -2.6%) and full 24months of the study (-7.6% vs. -1.3%). Findings suggest that behavioral treatments should address EE through improvements in self-regulation and mood, and supported physical activity will aid in that process. The need for an improved understanding of weight-loss maintenance remains.

The 100th Anniversary of the American Board of Ophthalmology

This is a special year for the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) as we celebrate 100 years of board certification. To mark this occasion, this supplement is being published, which provides an update on initial and continuous certification provided by the ABO. This editorial highlights a variety of changes in physician self-regulation through board certification.

Effects of Maternal Parenting and Mother-Child Relationship Quality on Short-Term Longitudinal Change in Self-Regulation in Early Adolescence

The purpose of the present study was to explore the degree to which short-term longitudinal change in adolescent self-regulation was attributable to maternal parenting and mother-child relationship quality. A total of 821 mother-adolescent dyads provided data in the 1992 and 1994 waves of the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979 (52.5% male; 24.2% Hispanic, 36.7% African American, 39.1% European American; adolescents’ initial age range = 10-12 years). Consistent with hypotheses, longitudinal improvements in young adolescents’ self-regulation were associated with high levels of mother-child relationship quality and low levels of maternal discipline. The association between self-regulation in 1992 and 1994 was moderated by child sex and maternal discipline. Thus, this study provides further evidence favoring the exploration of the parent-child relational context in addition to discrete parenting behaviors in studies on self-regulation during the early adolescent years.

Increasing Children's Voluntary Physical Activity Outside of School Hours Through Targeting Social Cognitive Theory Variables.

Volume of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity completed during the elementary school day is insufficient, and associated with health risks. Improvements in theory-based psychosocial factors might facilitate increased out-of-school physical activity. A behaviorally based after-school care protocol, Youth Fit 4 Life, was tested for its association with increased voluntary, out-of-school physical activity and improvements in its theory-based psychosocial predictors in 9- to 12-year-olds. Increases over 12 weeks in out-of-school physical activity, and improvements in self-regulation for physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and mood, were significantly greater in the Youth Fit 4 Life group (n = 88) when contrasted with a typical care control group (n = 57). Changes in the 3 psychosocial variables significantly mediated the group-physical activity change relationship (R(2) = .31, P < .001). Change in self-regulation was a significant independent mediator, and had a reciprocal relationship with change in out-of-school physical activity. In the Youth Fit 4 Life group, occurrence of 300 min/wk of overall physical activity increased from 41% to 71%. Targeting theory-based psychosocial changes within a structured after-school care physical activity program was associated with increases in children's overall time being physically active. After replication, large scale application will be warranted.

Modeling Self-Regulation as a Process Usinga Multiple Time-Scale Multiphase Latent Basis Growth Model

Measurement burst designs, wherein individuals are measured intensively during multiple periods (i.e., bursts), have created new opportunities for studying change at multiple time scales. This article develops a model that might be useful in situations where the functional form of short-term change is unknown, might consist of multiple phases, and might change over the long term. Specifically, we combine measurement of intraindividual entropy, a latent basis growth model, a multiphase growth model, and a growth model with covariates into a unified framework that could help accommodate the complexity of patterns that emerge in multiple time-scale categorical data streams. Empirical data from a longitudinal study of young children’s behavior during laboratory tasks designed to induce frustration are used to illustrate the utility of the proposed model for simultaneously describing intratask (short-term) change in self-regulation and developmental (long-term) shifts in intratask change.