Self-regulatory processes and psychological symptoms among emerging adults

Shmuel Shulman, Tamar Shavit-Pesach, Sophie D. Walsh, Zehava Almog, Raz Even, Adiel Doron, Shmuel Fennig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study examines the relevance of self-regulatory processes such as decision-making abilities and the setting of appropriate goals to the understanding of psychological problems in young adulthood. Sixty-three patients referred to a clinic for young adults and 63 non-patient counterparts were included in the study. Participants' levels of psychological symptoms, attainment of age-related tasks, decision-making ability, and setting of appropriate age-related goals were assessed. As could be expected, patients reported a higher number of psychological symptoms and lower practical independence than non-patients. However, patients and non-patients also differed consistently on self-regulatory processes, such that patients showed lower decision-making ability, a less consolidated outlook on life, and greater difficulty in setting adaptive goals. Incorporation of a developmental regulation perspective suggests that emerging adults with psychological problems are also deficient in their inner ability to cope with age-related tasks. Awareness of these self-regulatory deficiencies is relevant to understanding psychopathology at this developmental stage and to tailoring interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-120
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Youth Studies
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2009

Keywords

  • Decision making
  • Emerging adulthood
  • Goal setting
  • Psychological symptoms

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