Exploring relationship between self-regulation dimensions and cardiac autonomic functioning in preschoolers

Br J Dev Psychol. 2021 Mar;39(1):205-216. doi: 10.1111/bjdp.12355. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Abstract

The present study examined the association between behavioural dimensions of self-regulation and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a marker of cardiac autonomic functioning in a sample of preschool children in the United States. Sixty-six children's emotion- and cognitive-oriented dimensions of self-regulation were examined with respect to changes in RSA (reactivity and recovery). Results showed that children's recovery RSA, which indicates the ability to return to homeostasis, but not reactivity, was significantly associated with the cognitive-oriented self-regulation.

Keywords: hot and cool self-regulation; preschoolers; psychophysiology; respiratory sinus arrhythmia; self-regulation.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia*
  • Self-Control*