The Relationship between Autonomy and Behavioral Self-Regulation among 5- to 6-Year-Old Preschool Children at Selected Preschools in Dong Thap Province

This study aimed to determine the levels of autonomy and behavioral self-regulation and to examine the relationship between these two constructs among 5- to 6-year-old preschool children. The participants comprised 320 children and 20 teachers from four preschools in Dong Thap Province. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed, combining child observations with teacher ratings. Behavioral self-regulation was assessed through behavioral control, sustained attention and persistence, remembering and following rules, and flexible behavioral adjustment. The hypothetical findings indicated that the children’s mean autonomy score was 3.42, while their mean behavioral self-regulation score was 3.38. The two variables were positively and moderately strongly correlated, with statistical significance (Pearson’s r = 0.681, p < 0.001). The regression model explained 48.2% of the variance in behavioral self-regulation. Choice and decision-making and problem-solving made the clearest predictive contributions. The findings suggest that providing children with opportunities to make choices, act proactively, try different solutions, and assume responsibility for their assigned tasks may support more effective behavioral control and regulation.

autonomy; behavioral self-regulation; 5- to 6-year-old preschool children

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