Could Anxiety Be The Mediating Factor When It Comes To Self-Control: A “SNAP” Shot.

• In Event: The Intersection between Self-Regulation and Juvenile Justice Involvement

Abstract

It has been shown that children who display disruptive behaviour problems have less activation in the dorsal region of the brain, which contributes to reduced higher-order thinking, emotion regulation and self-control, and that anxiety might be a mediating factor (Granic et al., 2012). Highlighting the significance of emotional regulation and self-control, this paper will demonstrate how SNAP® (Stop Now And Plan), a multi-modal, gender-specific, evidence-based intervention for young children with conduct problems and their families reduce both externalizing and internalizing (i.e., anxiety) issues. This intervention helps children deal with their emotions by teaching them how to stop and think before they act and come up with effective solutions that help decrease their problem behaviours. The analysis will explore gender differences in treatment response when controlling for levels of anxiety and will denote the importance of further implementation and evaluation of children’s self-regulation and self-control skills aimed at fostering pro-social behaviours.

Authors

• Margaret Walsh, Child Development Institute

• Leena Augimeri, University of Toronto

• Adam Donato, Child Development Institute

• Isabela Granic, University of Toronto