The development of self-regulation across early childhood.

TLDR

Early childhood self‑regulation is considered an early life marker for later success, yet longitudinal studies of its developmental trajectories are scarce. This study examines behavioral self‑regulation from ages 3 to 7, aiming to identify heterogeneous developmental trajectories and indicators that differentiate them. The authors assessed 1,386 children across three diverse samples on behavioral self‑regulation from preschool through first grade. Results show that most children rapidly develop self‑regulation, following three distinct growth patterns that differ in timing of gains and are associated with gender, early language skills, and maternal education, underscoring the need for individualized support. PsycINFO database record.

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