Self-Regulation Patterns in Kindergarten Children: A Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

Self-regulation components are strongly intertwined. The majority of empirical research, however, focuses on single regulation components and applies variable-centered analytical approaches while neglecting the strong interrelations between regulation components. Person-centered approaches offer the possibility to identify self-regulation profiles, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the interrelations between the self-regulation components while considering potential heterogeneity among individuals. In the present study, we conducted a latent profile analysis examining a sample of N = 254 Swiss kindergarteners (Mage = 6.0 years, 51.2% female, 24.2% migration background). The results revealed three self-regulation profiles: Competent regulators (74%), children showing cross-component regulation difficulties (19%), and children with pronounced behavioral regulation difficulties (7%). Moreover, covariate analysis revealed profile differences regarding behavioral problems and parental involvement.