Developmental connections between socioeconomic status, self‐regulation, and adult externalizing problems. Issue 6 (5th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barry, Kelly R.; Hanson, Jamie L; Calma‐Birling, Destany; Lansford, Jennifer E; Bates, John E.; Dodge, Kenneth A
• Other Names: Chevalier Nicolas guestEditor.; Lipina Sebastián guestEditor.; Scerif Gaia guestEditor.; Segretin M. Soledad guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Developmental science. Volume 25:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-04-05
• Subjects: executive functioning -- externalizing -- heart rate reactivity -- self regulation -- socioeconomic status; Developmental psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Comparative -- Periodicals; 155
• DOI: 10.1111/desc.13260
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1363-755X

Abstract

Abstract: Children from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds are at particularly heightened risk for developing later externalizing problems. A large body of research has suggested an important role for self‐regulation in this developmental linkage. Self‐regulation has been conceptualized as a mediator as well as a moderator of these connections. Using data from the Child Development Project (CDP, N = 585), we probe these contrasting (mediating/moderating) conceptualizations, using both Frequentist and Bayesian statistical approaches, in the linkage between early SES and later externalizing problems in a multi‐decade longitudinal study. Connecting early SES, physiology (i.e., heart rate reactivity) and inhibitory control (a Stroop task) in adolescence, and externalizing symptomatology in early adulthood, we found the relation between SES and externalizing problems was moderated by multiple facets of self‐regulation. Participants from lower early SES backgrounds, who also had high heart rate reactivity and lower inhibitory control, had elevated levels of externalizing problems in adulthood relative to those with low heart rate reactivity and better inhibitory control. Such patterns persisted after controlling for externalizing problems earlier in life. The present results may aid in understanding the combinations of factors that contribute to the development of externalizing psychopathology in economically marginalized youth. Abstract : This study investigated if self‐regulation mediated or moderated links between childhood socioeconomic status and adult externalizing issues. We found that childhood socioeconomic status interacted with two facets of self‐regulation (inhibitory control; heart rate reactivity) to predict later externalizing symptoms. Additional analyses, using Frequentist and Bayesian statistical approaches, however, did not find support for the mediating role of self‐regulation in explaining childhood socioeconomic status and adult externalizing.