Predicting behavioral outcomes from reactivity and regulation and the role of social preference

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Nneka Morris (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Susan P. Keane

Abstract: The current study examined the effect of early emotion regulation and reactivity on later behavioral outcomes. Differential forms of reactivity were thought to interact with attentional control to predict internalizing or externalizing behavior. Additionally, social preference was examined as a moderator or mediator of these relations. Ratings of reactivity and regulation were obtained by mother report when the children were four years old. Social preference was obtained through peer report of likability. Finally, children self-reported on internalizing symptoms, and mothers and teachers reported on externalizing symptoms at age ten. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed direct effects of anger reactivity and attentional control on externalizing behavior and an interaction between sadness/ fear reactivity and attentional control predicting internalizing behavior. Social preference was found to mediate the relation between attentional control and internalizing behavior. Implications for future research examining the role of reactivity and regulation on maladaptive behavior were discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
Reactivity, Regulation
Subjects
Child psychology $x Research $z United States $v Case studies
Behavioral assessment of children $z United States $v Case studies
Emotions in children $x Social aspects $v Case studies

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