Self-regulation skill profiles are linked to the mother-child relationship in early childhood: A latent profile analysis approach

Abstract

Introduction

Self-regulation is crucial for children's cognitive, social, and emotional development. While prior research has primarily focused on the cognitive foundations of self-regulation using variable-centered approaches, the link between self-regulation and parent-child dynamics remains underexplored in individual-centered frameworks. This study aims to investigate the self-regulation profiles of children and their association with the mother-child relationship.

Methods

The cross-sectional exploratory study included 822 Turkish mothers of children aged 4–6. Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, the Self-Regulation Skills of 4–6-Year-Old Children (Mother Form), and the Child Parent Relationship Scale. Correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between self-regulation skills and the quality of mother-child interactions. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed to identify self-regulation profiles. Additionally, Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis was conducted to examine whether sociodemographic characteristics predicted profile membership, while ANOVA was used to assess differences in child age and mother-child relationship patterns across the identified self-regulation profiles.

Results

The results of correlation analysis showed positive relationships between mother-child closeness and self-regulation components, while conflictual interactions showed negative relationships. Moreover, the study, conducted from an individual-centered approach, identified three distinct self-regulation profiles: Low, Medium, and High Self-Regulation. Positive mother-child relationships were linked to the High Self-Regulation Profile, while conflictual relationships correlated with the Low Self-Regulation Profile.

Conclusion/practice implications

This study highlights the importance of positive mother-child interactions in enhancing self-regulation skills in early childhood. The findings provide valuable guidance for pediatric nursing practices by emphasizing the role of mother-child relationships in supporting children's self-regulation skills. Interventions fostering positive parental interactions can be implemented to improve children's developmental outcomes.