Measures of infant self‐regulation during the first year of life: A systematic review

Abstract

AbstractThis study aimed to systematically review the measures used to assess infant self‐regulation during the first 12 months of life. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis statement protocol. From 235 selected papers, 79 provided information on behavioural and physiological measures to assess infant self‐regulation during the first 12 months of life. Thirty‐six behavioural (30 observational and 6 parent‐report) and five physiological different measures were identified. Studies with a longitudinal design, comprising larger samples, and aiming to assess infant self‐regulation later in infancy, mostly used behavioural measures than physiological measures. Studies comprising lower samples and aiming to assess infant self‐regulation earlier in infancy, mostly used observational than parent‐reported measures. Studies targeting younger infants used physiological measures and studies targeting older infants used behavioural measures, with observational measures used with younger infants and parental‐reported measures used with older infants during the first year of life. When measuring self‐regulation is important to consider infant's age, to fit the measurement procedures with the self‐regulation development level.