Children's Self-regulation Research Articles

Positive parenting, parenting stress, and child self-regulation patterns differ across maternal demographic risk.

We examined relations between positive parenting, parenting stress, and children's regulatory abilities across infancy and early childhood. First-time mothers and their infants (N = 682) were recruited prenatally. Mothers belonged to one of three potential demographic risk groups: adolescent mothers (AM), adult low-educated mothers (LEM), and adult high-educated mothers (HEM). Parent-child interactions were observed in the home and scored for positive parenting (at 4, 8, and 18 months) and child self-regulation (at 4, 8, 18, and 30 months). Parenting stress was measured by questionnaire at 6, 12, and 24 months. A multigroup cross-lagged panel model indicated different patterns of effects for adolescent and adult mothers: for AM, positive parenting and parenting stress were related early in infancy, but no relations emerged with regulation until 18 months. For LEM, parenting related to regulation only at later ages, and for HEM, positive parenting, parenting stress, and regulation were associated early in the infant's life but not later. Differing patterns of influence indicate, perhaps, the importance of considering demographic risk and timing of parenting in childhood in relation to child regulatory outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationships among caregiving, stress, and self-regulation in toddlers living in poverty

PurposeThe Developmental Psychobiological Model of Experiential Canalization (DPMEC) proposes that conditions of poverty-related adversity influence child self-regulation through parental caregiving, stress hormones, and the child's genetics. However, empirical findings investigating these relationships with prolonged stress hormones are mixed. Further, the relationships among conditions of adversity with prolonged stress hormones have seldom been investigated in toddlers living in poverty. Guided by the DPMEC, we examined the relationships among maternal caregiving, prolonged stress, and self-regulation in toddlers living in poverty in the United States, to include examining whether toddler prolonged stress mediated relations between maternal caregiving and child self-regulation. Design and methodsParticipants were mothers and toddlers (20 to 24 months of age) living in poverty, who provided hair samples to measure four months of average cortisol concentration to estimate prolonged stress. We used observational measures to examine maternal caregiving and indirect report to measure children's self-regulation. ResultsFindings did not support the role of toddler prolonged stress in mediating the relationship between maternal caregiving and toddler self-regulation. However, multiple linear regression models showed that higher levels of maternal emotionally supportive caregiving significantly predicted better toddler soothability (b = 0.90; p = .03; 95% CI [0.10, 1.69]; partial correlation = 0.26). ConclusionsThis study adds partial support for the DPMEC to represent associations between maternal caregiving and toddler self-regulation for mothers and toddlers experiencing poverty. Practice implicationsWhile these data come from an observational study, pediatric nurses may consider assessing maternal supportive caregiving upon reports of poor toddler soothability.

The Role of Supportive Parenting and Stress Reactivity in the Development of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood

Maternal sensitivity and supportive discipline are important determinants of child self-regulation. Some evidence suggests that specific genetic or temperamental markers determine children’s susceptibility to the impact of maternal parenting on child self-regulation. Cortisol reactivity as a susceptibility marker moderating the relation between maternal parenting and child self-regulation has not yet been studied. In this longitudinal population-based study (N = 258), the moderating role of infant cortisol stress response to the Strange Situation Procedure at age 1 was examined in the association between parenting (sensitivity and supportive discipline) at age 3 and child self-regulation at age 3 and 4. Maternal sensitivity and supportive discipline were related to child immediate and prolonged delay of gratification at age 3, and maternal sensitivity was related to working memory skills at age 4. No evidence of differential susceptibility to maternal parenting was found, based on differences in infant cortisol stress response.

Understanding Daily Routine and Schedule of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by diminished sustained attention, hyperactive and impulsive behavior and is known to have an impact on the daily routine and self-regulation of children. There is a dearth of evidence for understanding the routine of the children with ADHD and their parents, which is necessary for organizing and scheduling the routine for the better management of daily occupations. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the daily routine and schedule of children with ADHD in Goa. Study Design: A qualitative, descriptive study design was conducted. Methods: This pilot study was conducted in resource rooms and schools in Goa, India. The recruitment of 10 parents of children with ADHD was done by the convenient sampling method and parents were administered a semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interview was undertaken to understand the children's daily routine. Results: Ten parents (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age 45.4 ± 7.97 years) of children with ADHD (mean ± SD age 9.5 ± 1.85 years) participated in this study. The study understood and described in depth the extent of the organized schedule and routine present, child's home and school routine and schedule, how the routine of the child affects the child and the family in terms of their socialization and how important is a routine for the family. Conclusion: The study inferred that the parents of children with ADHD have difficulty in managing the daily routine of their child at home as well as in school, including the self-care routine, meal-time, bed-time routine, and study schedule. The study helped understand the importance of an organized routine with a well-defined structure in the daily life to carry out timely meaningful occupations.

A Systematic Review of Sensory Interventions for Children With Autism: The Effects on Attention and Self-Regulation

Abstract Date Presented 04/01/2022 Many children with autism experience attention deficits that limit their participation in daily occupations. Sensory interventions are commonly used to improve self-regulation and attention in children with autism. This systematic review summarizes current sensory interventions used by OT practitioners and determines the quality of evidence for these interventions. This analysis allows practitioners to use best evidence when choosing intervention strategies for their clients. Primary Author and Speaker: Nicole Roberge Contributing Authors: Jewel Elias Crasta

A systematic review and meta-analysis of associations between self-regulation and morality in preschool and elementary school children

The importance of self-regulatory skills for the socio-emotional competencies of children is being researched and discussed extensively. However, in order to make a clear statement about the impact of self-regulation on children’s morality, a systematic review of the literature is urgently needed. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze associations between self-regulation and morality of preschool and elementary school children. In this context, distinctions among different definitions and operationalizations of self-regulation and morality are considered. Search terms were entered in the bibliographic databases PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. To meet the inclusion criterion, studies needed to report empirical associations between self-regulation and morality in children of preschool and elementary school age. Furthermore, the studies should report primary data and be published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. Studies with secondary or summarized data, special populations or with certain designs were excluded. A total of 37 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. 35 of these studies were included in the meta-analysis. The narrative synthesis showed that different definitions and operationalizations were used for both self-regulation and morality. There also seems to be no consensus regarding the association between the constructs. Meta-analysis results revealed a small positive combined effect between self-regulation and morality, especially between temperament-related self-regulation and moral behavior and moral emotions. In order to gain a better understanding of the effects of self-regulation on morality, longitudinal research and further research addressing different forms of these constructs are essential.

Observation Worksheet for the Development of Self-Regulation of 2- To 3-Year-Old Children (AOS)

This article presents the results of verifying the psychometric validity of a tool developed to investigate the developmental changes taking place in children attending nurseries, aged 2 to 3 years. The tool was used in research on the conditions created in nurseries for children of toddler age. It discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the concept of diagnosing early education environments and the assumptions designating the structure of the questionnaire measuring the effects of development of young children in the scope of self-regulation. The studies served to empirically validate the concept of the diagnosis of early care and education milieus and verify the validity of the psychometric tools to diagnose the effects of development of children aged 2 to 3 years. The study made use of the pedagogical monograph method and the observation technique. In order to carry out a longitudinal study with two measurements in the period from December 2017 to July 2018, 5 tools were developed, including the scale described in this article. A total of 131 children of toddler age attending 10 groups in 4 institutions and 20 caregivers working with them on a regular basis were included in the study. Subsequently, the results of the verification of the psychometric validity of the tool were presented: Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient, average correlations between items in both measures, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) indicating the agreement between two judges. The psychometric validity of a scale is confirmed by data concerning high reliability and accuracy. Factor analysis was used to modify the sub-scale measuring the self-regulation capacity developed on the stage of tool development. The psychometric values obtained for the tool suggest that it can be aptly applied to forecast and monitor the development of the self-regulation of young children and, consequently, that it may contribute to creating more conducive conditions for them and assist the development of this ability.

Examining the Leadership Skills of Preschool Children in Terms of Emotion Expressiveness and Self-Regulation Skills

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-regulation, emotion expressiveness, and leadership skills of preschool children. In addition, it was investigated whether or not these skills differed according to gender and the mediating role of self-regulation skills in predicting the leadership skills by emotion expressiveness characteristics of the children. The study was designed in quantitative model and correlational survey design. The sample group of the study consisted of 323 children aged 47-67 months. The data of the study were collected using Self-Regulation Skills Scale, Emotion Expressiveness Questionnaire and Early Childhood Leadership Scale. As a result of the study, leadership, self-regulation, and emotion expressiveness skills of the preschool children were found to be correlated with each other. It was found that emotion expressiveness was an important factor in terms of leadership skills of children and self-regulation skill had a determining effect in this correlation.

Executive function training for kindergarteners after the Great East Japan Earthquake: intervention effects

Japan’s Social Thinking and Academic Readiness Training (START) program Academic Readiness (AR) lesson aims to improve self-regulation, executive function, and behavior problems in kindergarten children, but the effects of the START program AR lessons in unfavorable circumstances are unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of the START program AR lesson in affected areas after the Great East Japan Earthquake. A cluster randomized trial was conducted with 111 5-year-old children in two kindergartens in Miyagi Prefecture to evaluate the effectiveness of the six-week AR lesson. One kindergarten was randomly chosen to implement the AR lesson, and the other maintained standard education. In the intervention group, trained classroom teachers provided the children with a 20-min AR lesson once a week. Executive function, behavioral self-regulation, and internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors were measured before and after the six-week intervention. The intervention group showed improved inhibitory control and enhanced behavioral self-regulation compared with the standard practice group. In addition, teachers’ evaluations showed that children’s internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors improved significantly. The results indicate that the START program AR lesson was effective in enabling teachers to help students improve executive function, self-regulation, and problematic behaviors. Therefore, educators and policy-makers should consider implementing the START program AR lesson in kindergartens after a disaster.

Studying children's growth in self-regulation using changing measures to account for heterotypic continuity: A Bayesian approach to developmental scaling.

Self-regulation is thought to show heterotypic continuity-its individual differences endure but its behavioral manifestations change across development. Thus, different measures across time may be necessary to account for heterotypic continuity of self-regulation. This longitudinal study examined children's (N = 108) self-regulation development using 17 measures, including 15 performance-based measures, two questionnaires, and three raters across seven time points. It is the first to use different measures of self-regulation over time to account for heterotypic continuity while using developmental scaling to link the measures onto the same scale for more accurate growth estimates. Assessed facets included inhibitory control, delayed gratification, sustained attention, and executive functions. Some measures differed across ages to retain construct validity and account for heterotypic continuity. A Bayesian longitudinal mixed model for developmental scaling was developed to link the differing measures onto the same scale. This allowed charting children's self-regulation growth across ages 3-7 years and relating it to both predictors and outcomes. Rapid growth occurred from ages 3-6. As a validation of the developmental scaling approach, greater self-regulation was associated with better school readiness (math and reading skills) and fewer externalizing problems. Our multi-wave, multi-facet, multi-method, multi-measure, multi-rater, developmental scaling approach is the most comprehensive to date for assessing the development of self-regulation. This approach demonstrates that developmental scaling may enable studying development of self-regulation across the lifespan.

Preschoolers BMI: Associations with Patterns of Caregivers' Feeding Practices Using Structural Equation Models.

Background: Childhood obesity is a major health concern. Caregivers' feeding practices are modifiable targets of obesity prevention. The study tested two hypotheses: (1) autonomy-promoting feeding practices are associated with lower BMI; and (2) diet mediates the association. We also explored examined whether feeding practices and BMI z-score (BMIz) associations are moderated by child sex, caregiver race, education, family poverty level, and food insecurity. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 437 preschoolers (44.4% girls, 38.2% Black/Other, mean age 48.1 months) and caregivers (90.2% female) from 50 child care centers. Feeding Practices were measured by Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire, child-size perception by preschooler silhouettes, temperament by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, child diet by Young Children Food and Drink Questionnaire, and BMIz by measured weight and height. Latent profile analysis delineated feeding practice patterns. Structure equation modeling assessed the patterns in relationship to BMIz. Mediation and multiple-group analyses were used to assess mechanisms of feeding practice patterns and BMIz association. Results: From the three feeding practice patterns, Controlling, Balancing, and Regulating, Regulating was associated with lower child BMIz (b = -0.09) compared to Controlling. Higher difficult temperament (b = 0.09), higher caregiver BMIz (b = 0.26), and caregiver desire for thinner (b = 0.23) were associated with BMIz (p < 0.05). Evaluations of moderators and mediators were not significant. Conclusions: Comprehensive feeding practices support family factors related to child BMIz. Longitudinal research is needed to examine temporal associations between feeding practices and BMIz, with attention to autonomy-supporting practices, promotion of young children's self-regulation, and caregivers' perceptions of child temperament and size. Trial Registration: NCT03111264.

Metacognition and self-regulation in young children: does it matter if metacognitive experiences are communicated?

ABSTRACT This study investigated six-year-old children’s metacognitive and self-regulatory processes during task engagement and their relations to children’s online metacognitive experiences, particularly feelings of difficulty (FOD). Sixty first graders (57% boys; M age: 6.2 yr., SD = 3 months) were individually interviewed. They were engaged in an ecological and challenging graphic task. Based on C.Ind.Le Coding Scheme, the present study took into account indicators of metacognitive knowledge (i.e., knowledge of persons, tasks and strategies), metacognitive regulation (i.e., planning, monitoring, control and evaluation) and emotional and motivational regulation (i.e., emotional and motivational monitoring and control). Moreover, children’s spontaneous comments of FOD were coded. Results showed that the communication of the FOD were significantly associated with the deployment of metacognition and self-regulation, with the exception of planning. The communication of FOD during the task allowed children to mobilize resources and to achieve their goals. Indeed, children who displayed higher evidence of metacognition and self-regulation felt that the task would be difficult but that they would be able to solve it. We discuss the importance of promoting and hearing the children’s voices and judgments about their metacognitive experiences to solve the activities in educational contexts.

Arkusz do obserwacji rozwoju zdolności do samoregulacji u dzieci 2-3 letnich (AOS)

Introduction : This article presents the results of verifying the psychometric validity of a tool developed to investigate the developmental changes taking place in children aged 2 to 3 years attending nurseries. It discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the concept of diagnosing early education environments and the assumptions designating the structure of the questionnaire measuring the effects of development of young children in the scope of self-regulation. Research Aim: The studies served to empirically validate the concept of the diagnosis of early care and education milieus and verify the validity of the psychometric tools to diagnose the effects of development of children aged 2 to 3 years. Method : The pedagogical monograph method was used in the study. In order to carry out the longitudinal research with two measurements, 5 tools were developed. A total of 131 children of toddler age attending 10 groups in 4 institutions and 20 caregivers working with them on a regular basis were included in the study. Results : The results of the verification of the psychometric validity of the tool were presented: Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient, average correlations between items in both measures, and Pearson’s (r) correlation coefficient. The psychometric validity of a scale is confirmed by data concerning high reliability and accuracy. Conclusions: The psychometric values obtained for the tool suggest that it can be aptly applied to forecast and monitor the development of the self-regulation of young children and may contribute to creating more conducive conditions for the development of this ability.

Maternal self-efficacy and emotional well-being in Chilean adolescent mothers: the relationship with their children's social-emotional development.

BackgroundLow maternal self-efficacy and high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress can be triggered in adolescent mothers due to an incomplete development process that makes them physically or psychologically unprepared for the responsibilities of motherhood and parenting. These factors may be linked to difficulties with their children’s social-emotional development. The present study aims to: (a) analyze the relationship between maternal self-efficacy and stress, depression, and anxiety levels in low-income adolescent mothers; (b) examine the relationship between maternal self-efficacy and well-being with children’s social-emotional development; and (c) describe the effects of maternal self-efficacy on children’s social-emotional development, mediated by maternal well-being.MethodsA sample of 79 dyads comprising low-income Chilean adolescent mothers aged from 15 to 21 years old (M = 19.1, SD = 1.66) and their children aged 10 to 24 months (M = 15.5, SD = 4.2) participated in this research. A set of psychometric scales was used to measure maternal self-efficacy (Parental Evaluation Scale, EEP), the mothers’ anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), maternal stress (Parental Stress Scale, PSS), and the children’s social-emotional development (Ages and Stages Questionnaire Socio-emotional, ASQ-SE). Bivariate analyses and mediation models were employed to estimate and test the relevant relationships.ResultsA bivariate analysis showed that maternal self-efficacy was negatively related to the mother’s anxiety, depression, and stress. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between maternal self-efficacy and maternal stress, and children’s self-regulation and social-emotional development. Maternal self-efficacy, mediated by maternal anxiety, depression, and stress scores, had a significant effect on the development of children’s self-regulation.ConclusionsThe results confirm the importance of adolescent mothers’ emotional well-being and maternal self- efficacy with respect to their children’s social-emotional development. This makes it necessary to have detailed information about how emotional and self-perception status influences a mother’s role in the development of her children.

Parent and Teacher Perceptions of the Parent–Teacher Relationship and Child Self-regulation in Preschool: Variations by Child Race

Parent and Teacher Perceptions of the Parent–Teacher Relationship and Child Self-regulation in Preschool: Variations by Child Race

Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Support Self-regulation in Young Children: A Review of the Literature.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rise in stress, mental health concerns, and externalizing behaviors in children and their caregivers across the globe and illuminated the need to reduce stress levels and support self-regulation skills in even the youngest of children. The goal of this literature review is to describe what research has shown about the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to support young children’s self-regulation in early childhood settings. A total of 18 research studies conducted between 2010 and 2021 were identified. The main purposes of the studies reviewed were to examine the effects of MBIs on the development of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive self-regulation. Results showed that teachers generally found mindfulness practices feasible, acceptable, and effective in their classrooms. Although MBIs were found to have mixed effects on self-regulation in young children, positive effects on self-regulation were significantly greater for children in need of additional support, including those with difficulties or delays in developing self-regulation skills. The current review found a wide variety of MBIs used in early childhood settings globally. The results of this review suggest that teaching mindfulness practices to young children and their caregivers can both support the development of self-regulation of young children and foster socially and emotionally healthy environments in which this development can occur.

Manfaat Intervensi Berbasis Digital Terapeutik terhadap Peningkatan Atensi dan Perilaku Regulasi Diri pada Anak ADHD

This study aims to analyze the benefits of digital-based interventions in influencing the function of attention and self-regulation in children with ADHD. The method used is a systematic review through the search for articles adapted to the formulation of research questions with the PICO formula in the Proquest, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases. The results showed that digital interventions based on the web, cellular and virtual reality applications designed according to the therapy requirements of ADHD children in the form of structured games, short stories, animated videos, scheduling and daily activity notes with several assignments to be completed were able to effectively increase attention/attention and improve self-regulatory behavior (emotions, planning and organizing) children with ADHD. In conclusion, intervention with digital therapy proved effective in increasing attention/attention and self-regulatory behavior in ADHD children.&#x0D; Keywords: ADHD, Attention, Digital Intervention, Self Regulation

Conceptualization, Tasks and Neurobiological Correlates of Self-Regulation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Literature (2015-2020)

Background: Self-regulation is a complex capacity that favors the modification of behavior in accordance with environmental demands. Objective: This article aims to review the scientific literature that conceptualizes self-regulation, analyze its potential latent dimensions, identify the instruments used to measure this construct and the empirical findings associated with its neurobiological correlates. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2015 and 2020. We include 29 empirical studies on children and adolescents self-regulatory capacity after combining the words self-regulation with cognition, brain and neurosciences. Results: Most of the articles included are from North America. A PICOS analysis was performed to increase understanding of self-regulatory capacity. Two dimensions of self-regulation are identified, contributing to a more global conceptualization of the concept of self-regulation; A cognitive dimension associated with executive functions, effortful control and inhibitory control, among others, and a dimension associated with personality, including traits such as irritability, impulsivity, openness and hyperactivity. Next, the instruments used to measure self-regulation are described, followed by a report of the important neurobiological findings, specifically, activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Conclusion: Self-regulatory capacity is associated with a complex functioning that favors adaptive behavior and has neurobiological correlates.

Does Taekwondo improve children's self-regulation? If so, how? A randomized field experiment.

Emerging evidence suggests interventions can improve childhood self-regulation. One intervention approach that has shown promise is Taekwondo martial arts instruction, though little is known about its acceptability among stakeholders or its mechanisms of effect. We extend evidence on Taekwondo interventions in three ways: (a) testing the efficacy of a standard introductory course of Taekwondo, (b) assessing the acceptability of Taekwondo instruction among school children, and (c) investigating two self-regulatory mechanisms by which Taekwondo may operate (executive functions and motivation). This article reports findings from a randomized control trial implementing a standard 11-week beginners' course of Taekwondo. Participants were from a mixed-sex, nonselective U.K. primary school (N = 240, age range 7 to 11 years). Measures of self-regulation included teacher-rated effortful control, impulsivity, prosocial behavior, and conduct problems; computer-based assessments of executive functions; and child self-reported expectancies and values to use self-regulation. Postintervention, children in the Taekwondo condition were rated by teachers as having fewer symptoms of conduct problems and better effortful control (specifically attentional control), and they also had better executive attention assessed by a flanker task. Effects were not found for teacher-rated inhibitory control, activation control, impulsivity, and prosocial behavior or for assessments of response inhibition, verbal working memory, and switching. Taekwondo was rated very positively by children. Finally, there was evidence that children who completed Taekwondo classes reported higher expectancies and values to use self-regulation and that expectancies and values mediated intervention effects on self-regulation. We conclude that short standard Taekwondo courses are well received by pupils, improve attentional self-regulation, and reduce symptoms of conduct problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Development, Construct Validation, and Normalization of a New Early Childhood Self-Regulation Assessment Scale

Although there are many tools for assessing young children’s self-regulation according to varied conceptual definitions and purposes, the purpose of this study was to develop, validate, and norm a Self-Regulation Assessment Scale for Early Childhood (SASEC) for directly evaluating observed behaviors of young children in naturalistic play experiences within the normal preschool environment. An exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was used. The 315 participants included 153 parents and 15 educators for the qualitative component and 147 children ages 3–5 years for the quantitative component. The analytical steps of a qualitative grounded theory research design were applied to adult participant interviews and focus group discussions, which culminated in 12 scale items for measuring a child’s ability to initiate, modulate, and cease behaviors, tasks, or activities of varied complexities, social configurations, and limiting conditions. Children’s SASEC scores were assessed via video recordings of play behaviors in naturalistic settings. Based on factor analysis results, the SASEC items constitute a single construct. According to the results of hierarchical linear modeling and multiple linear regression, preschool children’s SASEC scores can be compared to the SASEC mean and standard deviation regardless of various demographic variables. Implications and recommendations for future work include having early childhood educators, child and youth care practitioners, counselors, parents and families, social workers, behavioral sciences researchers, and policy makers use the SASEC to measure young children’s self-regulation while developing or monitoring the efficacy of generalized enhancement programs and individualized treatment plans.