Within-Family Dynamics and Self-Regulation in Preschoolers

Abstract

Separate research lines have stressed the importance of within-family dynamics on the one hand and self-regulation on the other hand for the development and stability of problem behavior in young children. Few empirical studies have directly addressed the relation between family processes and temperament. However, recent studies point towards the importance of person x environment interactions in the prediction of developmental outcomes. The aim of the present thesis is to examine the interplay of within-family dynamics and self-regulation in preschoolers. Family processes (parenting and coparenting) are found to be associated with self-regulation. Coparenting, i.e. the quality of coordination between adults in their roles as parents, is shown to predict self-regulation over and above parenting behaviors. In addition, interactions are found between family processes and self-regulation in the prediction of externalizing problem behavior.