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Self-regulation is a critical skill that underlies children’s development of social and emotional competence. It is also a key predictor of young children’s school readiness and academic success |
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Children growing up in economically disadvantaged contexts are at risk for having lower self-regulation. This study is aimed at understanding some of the reasons for this and at identifying what parents can do to foster better self-regulation and competence in their children. |
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Family Strain
Stress or strain due to economic hardship can affect multiple areas in families’ lives, increasing the likelihood of stressful events, residential changes, and other disruptions. These challenging conditions may affect preschool children’s developing self-regulation by the effects they have on children’s stress physiology and through parent and family relationships.
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Children’s Stress Physiology
We are studying how dysregulation of children’s neuroendocrine system – their stress hormones – might play a role in children’s developing self-regulation. We are also interested in how emotions and emotional reactivity might shape children’s emerging self-regulation skills.
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Parents and Families
Families experiencing significant strain may be challenged to maintain positive family relationships. There can be increased conflict, distress and demoralization among family members. In turn, this can create challenges for parenting. Conversely, when families are able to maintain positive relationships and positive parenting behaviors in the face of strain, children can be buffered from the effects of stress. Parents play an important role in promoting self-regulation and social and emotional competencies, and Project 1, 2, 3, Go! is studying the things parents and families do to maintain a positive family climate. |
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