Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is defined as an individual’s capacity to regulate his or her behaviors, emotions, and cognitions. Self-regulation has recently emerged as an important construct across the lifespan as it has been linked to a number of outcomes, including social-emotional development, school readiness, academic achievement, and long-term health and well-being. Many children and adults who have intellectual and/or developmental disorders demonstrate difficulties in self-regulation skills. This entry describes the development of self-regulation and its various correlates, the measurement of self-regulation, risk factors, and interventions that target self-regulation.