Task Persistence Through a Dynamic Lens: Understanding Temporal-Behavioral Dynamics in Kindergarten Children

Abstract

Most research approaches operationalize persistence through a static index, neglecting that persistence is inherently dynamic. The study aimed to analyze persistence as a dynamic process through a real-time modeling approach. More specifically, we computed a latent profile analysis to examine different temporal and behavior dynamics in a persistence task. The Swiss sample consisted of N = 241 children (Mage = 71.8 months, 52.3% female, 21% migration background). During a persistence task, task engagement was repeatedly coded in 10s intervals yielding 18 indicators of persistence. The results revealed three behavioral profiles: a highly persistent profile (70%), a declining persistence profile (20%), and a low persistence profile (10%). Furthermore, covariate analyses revealed profile differences in terms of executive functions and behavioral problems.