Performance on Delay Tasks in Early Childhood Predicted Socioemotional and School Adjustment Nine Years Later: A Longitudinal Study in Chinese Children

Abstract

This study examined, in a sample of Chinese children, the relations between early childhood delay behavior and later socioemotional and school adjustment. Observational data on delay behavior based on two delay tasks were collected when the children were two years old. Follow-up data on social competence, distinguished studentship, learning problems, perceived self-worth, loneliness, and depression were collected in the sample ( N = 175) from multiple sources, including teacher and mother ratings, self-reports, and school records at 11 years of age (fifth grade). It was found that delay behavior was positively associated with later social and school competence. Moreover, delay behavior negatively predicted later learning and emotional problems. Children's social competence mediated the relations between delay behavior and school and psychological adjustment. The results indicate that the ability to control one's own behavior plays a comprehensive role in socioemotional and academic development in Chinese children.