The role of language ability and self-regulation in the development of inattentive–hyperactive behavior problems
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Previous research has found associations but not established mechanisms of developmental linkage between language ability and inattentive-hyperactive (I-H) behavior problems. The present study examined whether self-regulation mediates the effect of language ability on later I-H behavior problems among young children (N = 120) assessed at 30, 36, and 42 months of age. Cross-lagged panel models tested the direction of effect between language ability and self-regulation and longitudinal effects of language ability on later I-H problems mediated by self-regulation. Language ability was measured by children's scores on the receptive and expressive language subtests of the Differential Ability Scales. Self-regulation was measured by three behavioral tasks requiring inhibitory control. I-H problems were reported by parents and secondary caregivers. Language ability predicted later self-regulation as measured by all three tasks. There was no association, however, between self-regulation and later language ability, suggesting that the direction of effect was stronger from language ability to later self-regulation. Moreover, the effect of language ability on later I-H behavior problems was mediated by children's self-regulation in one of the tasks (for secondary caregivers' but not parents' ratings). Findings suggest that language deficits may explain later I-H behavior problems via their prediction of poorer self-regulatory skills.
Source: Development and Psychopathology
Institutions: Indiana University, University of Virginia
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Developmental Implications of Early Childhood Sleep, Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute-T32 Program TL1, Origins and Implications of Sleep Deficits in Mothers of Toddlers, G5693017547, G7629160328, Neurophysiological Mechanisms in the Development of Externalizing Problems
OpenAlex ID: W1964577031