Age‐differences in network models of self‐regulation and executive control functions

Abstract

Self‐regulation (SR) and executive control functions (EF) are broad theoretical concepts that subsume various cognitive abilities supporting the regulation of behavior, thoughts, and emotions. However, many of these concepts stem from different psychological disciplines relying on distinct methodologies, such as self‐reports (common in SR research) and performance‐based tasks (common in EF research). Despite the striking overlap between SR and EF on the theoretical level, recent evidence suggests that correlations between self‐report measures and behavioral tasks can be difficult to observe. In our study, participants from a life‐span sample (14–82 years) completed self‐report measures and behavioral tasks, which were selected to include a variety of different facets of SR (e.g., sensation seeking, mindfulness, grit, or eating behavior) and EF (working memory, inhibition, shifting). Using this broad approach, we systematically investigated connections and overlap of different aspects of SR and EF to improve their conceptual understanding. By comparing network models of a youth, middle‐aged, and older‐aged group, we identified key variables that are well connected in the SR and EF construct space. In general, we found connections to be stronger within the clusters of SR and EF than between them. However, older adults demonstrated more connections between SR and EF than younger individuals, likely because of declining cognitive resources.

Self‐regulatory control processes in youths: A temporal network analysis approach

“…However, we not only specify the interrelationships cross-sectionally at the between-person level but also extend it to the temporal dynamics at the within-person level. Consistent with our results, Neubeck et al (2022) reported more relationships between self-control and emotion regulation compared to the associations with executive function (including response inhibition). This study had, however, been conducted on cross-sectional data at the between-person level.…”

“…Along these lines, Neubeck et al. ( 2022 ) examined the structure of cross‐sectional networks covering 12 self‐reported facets of self‐regulation (including self‐control and emotional processes as well as response inhibition). In terms of the macrostructure of the network, the authors observed stronger connections within the two clusters of self‐regulation and executive functions than between them.…”

Special issue on development of self‐regulation, cognitive control, and executive function, Part I: Editorial note

“…To this end, Dutra et al (2022) found that two forms updating (i.e., working memory and short-term memory) were independently associated with self-regulation in 8-to 13-year-old children from low-and middle-income countries, even when controlling for schooling and location effects. Using network models in a lifespan sample, Neubeck et al (2022) found stronger connections within clusters of self-regulation and executive function measures than between them.…”

“…Using network models in a lifespan sample, Neubeck et al. (2022) found stronger connections within clusters of self‐regulation and executive function measures than between them. Importantly, older adults demonstrated more connections between both constructs than younger individuals, suggesting that the two constructs may tap increasingly overlapping abilities in older people.…”

The grit personality trait, eating behavior, and obesity among Japanese adults

“…Multi-dimensional eating behaviors, including emotional eating (EE: i.e., overeating associated with negative emotions), can be separately assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), along with uncontrolled eating (UE, i.e., general difficulties in regulating eating, including hunger) and cognitive restraint (CR, i.e., conscious restriction of food intake to control weight) (12,13). However, only one study that examined the association between grit and eating behavior, as assessed by the TFEQ, measured only cognitive restraint and not the association in with emotional and uncontrolled eating (14). More importantly, to date, there is a lack of research on the extent to which multidimensional eating behaviors mediate the relationship between low grit and obesity.…”