Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

Effortful Control and Internalizing Emotional-Behavioral Disorders in Children: A Simultaneous Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors
Soheyla Talebi 1
Amir Ghamarani 1
Ahmad Abedi 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Education of Children with Special Needs, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Psychology and Education of People with Special Needs,-Faculty of Education and Psychology- University of Isfahan- Isfahan- Iran
10.48308/apsy.2023.232440.1518
Abstract
Aim: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the association between effortful control and internalizing emotional-behavioral disorders in children and adolescents.
 
Methods: Studies published between 2003 and 2023 were identified using multiple databases. Eight studies meeting PRISMA criteria were included, yielding 12 effect sizes. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using CMA version 3.
 
Results: A significant negative association was found between effortful control and internalizing disorders (overall effect size = 0.42, p < 0.001), indicating a moderate-to-large effect. No evidence of publication bias was detected.
 
Conclusion: Effortful control plays a key protective role in childhood emotional-behavioral health. Interventions enhancing effortful control may reduce internalizing disorders.
Keywords
Effortful Control (EC)
Emotional-behavioral disorders
Internalizing disorders
Meta-analysis
Systematic review
Subjects
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