(PS9-95) Bidirectional Influences on Self-regulation in Chronically Stressed Youth: Identifying Targets for CBT

Self-regulation (SR) undergoes substantial maturation during adolescence. SR plays a pivotal role in academic performance and stress coping, and poor SR has been linked to engagement in risky behaviors such as substance abuse (Dahl et al., 2018; Dishion & Connell, 2006; Robson et al., 2020). Top-down regulation deliberately engages mechanisms that facilitate anticipation of and coping with stressors (Nigg, 2017; Wills et al., 2007). Bottom-up regulation involves responding to unanticipated stressors and utilizing reactive or instinctive mechanisms (Nigg, 2017; Wills et al., 2007). In this study, we referred to top-down processes as “self-management” (SM) and bottom-up processes as “disinhibition” (DI). SM and DI shape one another in contributing to SR (Casey et al., 2016; Steinberg, 2008); even if powerful DI is experienced, strong SM can provide effective oversight and redirection of potentially risky bottom-up reactions (Pearson et al., 2013). We extended this literature by evaluating components of SM (planning, problem-solving and concentration) and DI (distractibility, impulsivity and anger-based coping) to identify key drivers in their reciprocal relationship. The aim of this research is to facilitate development of innovative, well-timed interventions that can improve adaptive functioning.

Our sample was comprised of 708 attendees at a summer camp for chronically stressed youth, including 340 girls (M_age = 11.0, SD = 1.75) and 368 boys (M_age = 11.0, SD = 1.70). Most participants were Caucasian (72.8% of girls and 71% of boys) and many received free school meals (74.4% and 68.8% respectively) and special education services (32.1% and 44.6%). The computerized, self-report Assessment of Liability and EXposure to Substance Use and Antisocial Behavior (Ridenour et al., 2009) was used to gather data during the camp, which focused on building resilience and connecting youth with community mentors. We used longitudinal structural equation modeling to test and estimate cross-lagged associations between SM and DI across the age span of 9-16.

The best fitting model for both sexes incorporated bidirectional cross-lags between SM and DI. Within-youth levels of SM and DI remained stable across age as hypothesized for DI but not for SM. Sex differences were observed regarding the reciprocal influence of SM and DI and the impact of specific components. Sample characteristics such as age and ethnicity limited the generalizability of our results and we did not have information on some relevant variables (e.g., pubertal timing) for this secondary analysis. However, our findings suggest that it may be beneficial to tailor intervention strategies and timing with respect to sex. Girls may experience stronger SM during early adolescence, an ideal time for intervention, and may also benefit more from learning how to regulate in the moment than focusing on long-term planning. CBT techniques (such as thought challenging) and mindfulness can be used to strengthen SM while reducing problems associated with DI. Further research is needed to understand the relationships among chronic stress, SR, and positive and negative adolescent outcomes, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of more tailored treatment approaches for this population.