Conceptual and methodological approaches to the study of Self-Regulation: An inquiry within Developmental Science

Abstract

The present work intends to thoroughly identify theoretical and practical applications of self-regulation (SR) in contemporary developmental research, by reviewing conceptual and operational definitions of SR, in addition to the methods and instruments used to assess it in empirical studies. 468 scientific articles with cumulative evidence from the last two decades of research were included (142 reviews and 326 original research articles). Using a mixed-methods approach based on grounded theory methodology, the main theoretical and methodological aspects involved in the definition and operationalization of SR were reviewed. Results point towards a growing consensus in the conceptual definition of SR, which emphasizes the interrelation of emotional and cognitive control, goal-oriented activity, physiological and interpersonal processes. Empirical research often considers to diverse biologic, behavioral and social features in the operationalization of the concept, making use of report scales, performance tasks and, to a lesser extent, physiological and observational measurements.