The relevance of top-down self-regulation for children's and adolescents' developmental outcomes

Abstract

A popular topic in developmental science is self-regulation, an aspect of functioning viewed as contributing to optimal development. Of particular theoretical importance is top-down (frontal cortically based) self-regulation (TDSR). This article briefly reviews recent research on TDSR's relation to four areas of development: maladjustment, social competence, prosocial development, and academic development. Recent studies on the topic often involve sophisticated methods and designs; moreover, several relevant meta-analyses have been published in the recent past. In general, a higher level of TDSR has been associated with better adjustment, social competence, prosociality, and success in the school setting. Limitations in the research and extant meta-analyses are briefly noted.

Keywords: Academic development; Maladjustment; Prosocial development; Social competence; Top-down self-regulation.