The role of inhibitory control, maternal sensitivity, and attachment security in the development and maintenance of self-regulation

The present study investigated the interrelationships between various constructs drawn from the attachment, temperament, and neuropsychology frameworks in the context of self-regulation development and maintenance. In particular, the study sought to determine whether attachment security in early childhood was a predictor of self-regulation and social competence in adolescence, and to elucidate the roles of inhibitory control (IC), maternal sensitivity, and self-control in this relationship. Structural equation modeling was used to create an integrated theoretical developmental model of self-regulation.;Attachment Security at 24 months was found to be a significant predictor of Social Skills at age 15 years. In addition, IC at 54 months, Maternal Sensitivity during third grade, and Self-Control during 4th grade, were found to be subsequent partial mediators of this relationship. Overall, results of the study suggest that foundational self-regulatory capacities such as inhibitory control evolve from patterns of sensitive caregiver-child interactions in early attachment relationships. Furthermore, these capacities appear to be maintained in part through sensitive caregiving throughout childhood and into mid-adolescence. Additional implications of these results for integrating concepts of divergent theoretical domains are also discussed.