Intentional Self-regulation in Early Adolescence: Assessing the Structure of Selection,Optimization,and Compensation Processes

Using data from Grades 5, 6, and 7 of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (PYD), the role of intentional self-regulation in the positive development of young adolescents was examined through use of the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) measure. Consistent with Gestsdóttir and Lerner (2007), results of confirmatory factor analyses of SOC scores suggested the use of a global, nine-item index. Results of hierarchical linear modeling indicated that statistically significant but substantively minor changes in SOC scores existed across the three grades; these findings support the use of the Grade 5 SOC scores as predictors of subsequent development. Accordingly, Grade 5 SOC scores positively predicted Grade 7 scores on the Five Cs of PYD (i.e., competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring) and negatively predicted Grade 7 depression, delinquency, and risk behaviors. No gender effects were found in regard to changes in SOC scores. Implications for future research and for the developmental course of intentional self-regulation in adolescence are discussed.