Self-regulation all bass-ackwards: Similarities and differences in component structure in community and forensic psychiatric populations.

Abstract

Self-regulation is a multifaceted construct that is defined as the ability to change thoughts, emotions, and behavior to achieve a desired state or effect. Despite its relevance for forensic psychology and other fields within psychology, its complexity and varied operationalization make it difficult to compare and draw conclusions from research. The present study aimed to elucidate the construct of self-regulation by applying a Bass-Ackwards component analysis to multiple scales of self-regulatory components in both a general population sample of males (n = 200) and females (n = 118) and in a forensic psychiatric sample (n = 94). Results indicated that although there are some differences between the component structure in each group, three general components of self-regulation emerged, capturing emotion regulation, risk behavior, and cognitive regulation. This suggests that although sample-specific measures might be useful, any comprehensive measure of self-regulation should contain elements of each of these three domains. This study contributes to clinical practice by emphasizing that interventions aimed at increasing self-regulation should focus on emotion regulation, risk behavior, and cognitive regulation. Public Significance StatementThe current manuscript investigated the structure of self-regulation across a sample of community men and women and a sample of forensic patients. Findings showed that although structure varied, an emotional, behavioral, and cognitive elements were seen in each sample. These findings can help to guide future research and instrument development, making sure self-regulation is measured as a multidimensional construct.

A Mobile Self-control Training App to Improve Self-control and Physical Activity in People With Severe Mental Illness: Protocol for 2 Single-Case Experimental Designs

“…However, it is specifically challenging in people with SMI [ 95 ], and studies suggest that low self-control may also further contribute to low adherence [ 96 ]. As this study is both longitudinal and will target individuals with SMI (who commonly have lower self-control than the general population [ 97 ]), nonadherence may thus be expected. To address this limitation, we will take additional measurements to avoid complete loss of data (eg, 2 daily measures of self-control instead of 1), schedule regular phone calls and visits by the researcher, and offer financial incentives for continued participation in the study, all strategies associated with better adherence [ 98 - 100 ].…”

Self- vs. External-Regulation Behavior ScaleTM in different psychological contexts: A validation study

“…Future research should determine the connection between this construct and other more classical constructs in the area of the regulatory difficulties and problems inherent to different pathologies. Some recent studies have suggested that the dysregulatory level of subjects is an essential and predictive element in psychiatric pathologies ( Billen et al, 2021 ; Levin-Aspenson et al, 2021 ); however, those studies have not explicitly addressed the dysregulatory effect of context, which remains to be determined.…”

“…In the professional and academic field of Clinical Psychology , the categorization derived from this instrument (SR-NR-DR; ER-ENR-EDR) allows different types of potentially pathological behavior and contexts to be accurately determined. It is assumed that the different levels of self-regulation and external regulation may imply different types of behavioral dysfunction associated with levels of regulation through the p factor, as shown by psychiatric research ( Billen et al, 2021 ; Levin-Aspenson et al, 2021 ).…”

“…In the field of clinical research, the self-regulation variable has appeared to be important for the explanation of other psychological constructs, such as personality ( Inzlicht et al, 2021 ), resilience ( de la Fuente et al, 2017 ), personal strengths ( Lerner et al, 2021 ), coping strategies ( Amate-Romera and de la Fuente, 2021 ), emotionality ( Lajoie et al, 2021 ) and perfectionism ( Thakre and Sebastian, 2021 ). Recently, studies have considered the dysfunctional level of self-regulation ( dys-regulation ) as a transdiagnostic variable ( p factor ) underlying numerous psychiatric psychopathologies ( Duncan et al, 1996 ; Choi and Abbott, 2020 ; Huffhines et al, 2020 ; Smith et al, 2020 ; Levin-Aspenson et al, 2021 ; Romer et al, 2021 ) varying levels of which are relevant to criminal pathologies ( Billen et al, 2021 ).…”

Time‐lagged associations of mindfulness and self‐regulation with affect and cognition: An ecological momentary assessment study

“…Mindfulness involves heightened attention and awareness of the present moment, as well as the acknowledgment of one's current physical and emotional sensations (Bishop et al, 2004; Brown & Ryan, 2003). Self‐regulation involves the voluntary management or control of cognitive and behavioral processes to meet desired goals (Billen et al, 2022; McClelland et al, 2018). Self‐regulation and mindfulness have shown effectiveness in reducing negative affect states, improving positive affect and cognitive abilities among young adults (Breedvelt et al, 2019; Hofmann et al, 2014).…”