Conceptualization, Tasks and Neurobiological Correlates of Self-Regulation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Literature (2015-2020)

Abstract

Background: Self-regulation is a complex capacity that favors the modification of behavior in accordance with environmental demands.

Objective: This article aims to review the scientific literature that conceptualizes self-regulation, analyze its potential latent dimensions, identify the instruments used to measure this construct and the empirical findings associated with its neurobiological correlates.

Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2015 and 2020. We include 29 empirical studies on children and adolescents self-regulatory capacity after combining the words self-regulation with cognition, brain and neurosciences.

Results: Most of the articles included are from North America. A PICOS analysis was performed to increase understanding of self-regulatory capacity. Two dimensions of self-regulation are identified, contributing to a more global conceptualization of the concept of self-regulation; A cognitive dimension associated with executive functions, effortful control and inhibitory control, among others, and a dimension associated with personality, including traits such as irritability, impulsivity, openness and hyperactivity. Next, the instruments used to measure self-regulation are described, followed by a report of the important neurobiological findings, specifically, activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

Conclusion: Self-regulatory capacity is associated with a complex functioning that favors adaptive behavior and has neurobiological correlates.