The influence of interindividual differences in precursor abilities for self-regulated learning in preschoolers

During preschool age, three precursors to self-regulated learning (SRL) can be identified: general self-regulation ability, speech competence, and executive functioning. There is evidence for a large interindividual heterogeneity in these precursors which may have an impact on the development of SRL. This study (a) examined heterogeneity in SRL precursors by identifying different SRL precursor profiles and (b) examined the influence of the SRL precursor profiles on the benefit of an SRL intervention and the developmental time course of SRL. A latent profile analysis was conducted with 230 preschoolers. Four SRL precursor profiles were identified. In a sample of 191 preschoolers, we examined if these profiles showed differences in the benefits accrued from an SRL intervention. Higher general self-regulation ability and speech competence resulted in a large increase in SRL. The results confirmed the heterogeneity in SRL precursor abilities in preschoolers and suggested such precursors can influence the development of SRL.