Abstract
Self-regulation is the ability to control inner states or responses with respect to thoughts, emotions, attention, and performance. As such, it is a critical aspect of development and fundamental to personality and behavioral adjustment. In this review, we focus on attentional, cognitive, and emotional control as we discuss the genetic mechanisms and brain mechanisms that contribute to individual differences in self-regulation. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for deviations in the development of this complex construct and suggestions for future research.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Affective Symptoms / genetics*
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Affective Symptoms / physiopathology
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Affective Symptoms / psychology
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Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / genetics*
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Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology
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Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
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Brain / physiopathology*
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Cognition Disorders / genetics*
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Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
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Cognition Disorders / psychology
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Dopamine / physiology
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
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Humans
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Limbic System / physiopathology
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Nerve Net / physiopathology
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Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology
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Psychophysiology
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Serotonin / physiology
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Social Adjustment
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Social Behavior*
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Social Control, Informal / methods*
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Social Environment