NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF MORAL SELF-REGULATION IN PRESCHOOL AGE

The work presents results of the study in the relationship between levels of the brain structures development, carried out by using neuropsychological methods and features of moral development from the standpoint of self-regulation in preschool age. Differences in rates between boys and girls are analysed. Experimental tests «Bitter candy» were implemented according to the model of A.N. Leontiev and «Marshmallows experiment» according to the model of W. Mishel. Significant positive connections were found between confidence in the need to comply with moral norms and the level of maturity of certain neurostructures: orientation; adequacy; criticality; holding and playing the program; evaluation and reproduction of rhythmic structures; reencryption of the perceived image. Significant correlations were found between compliance with the norms in the real experimental situation (“Bitter candy” test) and the criticality indicator. The indicators of regulation of behavior in a situation of group compliance with the rule set by adults turned out to be significantly related to the level of awareness of the need to comply with conventional norms and the level of differentiation between conventional and moral norms. In addition, a mature, relative to age, lateralization became a neuropsychological predictor of high indicators of differentiation of moral and conventional norms. Analysis of the features of the studied indicators in boys and girls revealed significant differences in the maturity of the brain zones (neuropsychological indicators) and in the level of compliance with the externally specified rule, as well as in the level of self-control in preschool age. In terms of differences in the level of moral development, the hypothesis was not confirmed