title: The development of self-regulation across early childhood.
abstract: The development of early childhood self-regulation is often considered an early life marker for later life successes. Yet little longitudinal research has evaluated whether there are different trajectories of self-regulation development across children. This study investigates the development of behavioral self-regulation between the ages of 3 and 7 years, with a direct focus on possible heterogeneity in the developmental trajectories, and a set of potential indicators that distinguish unique behavioral self-regulation trajectories. Across 3 diverse samples, 1,386 children were assessed on behavioral self-regulation from preschool through first grade. Results indicated that majority of children develop self-regulation rapidly during early childhood, and that children follow 3 distinct developmental patterns of growth. These 3 trajectories were distinguishable based on timing of rapid gains, as well as child gender, early language skills, and maternal education levels. Findings highlight early developmental differences in how self-regulation unfolds, with implications for offering individualized support across children. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: Children's Learning Institute, Department of Developmental Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
authors.forename: Janelle J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Montroy
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University.
authors.forename: Ryan P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Bowles
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University.
authors.forename: Lori E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Skibbe
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Oregon State University.
authors.forename: Megan M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: McClelland
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Michigan.
authors.forename: Frederick J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002663:Child Language; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004505:Education, Nonprofessional; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D002666:Psychology, Child; D000068356:Self-Control; D012737:Sex Factors