Self-regulation during a modified still-face paradigm with a mobile device as a predictor of early internalizing and externalizing problems.

Abstract

Examining how toddlers' emerging self-regulatory capabilities relate to later behavioral outcomes is important for understanding internalizing and externalizing problems during early childhood. Child self-regulation may serve as a promotive factor, with children demonstrating stronger self-regulation showing resilience against adverse environmental influences. In the current study, we examined the longitudinal relations between toddler temperament, self-regulation, and maternal internalizing symptoms assessed at 18 months, and toddler internalizing and externalizing problems at 24 months. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study on attention and temperament (name masked for review; 24-month follow-up sample: n = 52; 55.8% girls and 44.2% boys; complete-case analytic sample: n = 44). Toddler self-regulation was assessed using a modified Still-Face Paradigm designed to reflect technoference, capturing regulatory behaviors in the context of modern digital parenting. We found that specific temperamental dimensions differentially predicted internalizing and externalizing problems, while maternal internalizing symptoms and toddler behavioral regulation were associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems at 24 months of age. Importantly, toddler self-comforting behaviors during the modified still-face task remained a significant negative predictor of internalizing and externalizing problems at 24 months, even after accounting for maternal internalizing symptoms. Our findings support the role of toddler behavioral regulation as a potential protective factor against emotional and behavioral difficulties in early childhood above and beyond the contribution of maternal mental health.