Developmental trajectory classes in psychological dysregulation predict later decision-making competence

Adolescence and emerging adulthood are developmental periods associated with increased risk taking, including alcohol substance use antisocial behaviors. Typical psychological growth from adolescence into early reflects increases in traits related to regulation (e.g., greater emotional stability less impulsivity), which typically considered protective factors against However, individuals may vary greatly their development of these characteristics. This study examines the degree heterogeneity trajectories later performance on decision-making skills battery. In this study, was assessed at age 10–12, follow-up assessments 14, 16, 19 years. At 19, we administered Youth Decision-Making Competence (DMC; Parker & Fischhoff, 2005) measure. Correlational analyses revealed that lower regulation, as 10, DMC scores. A latent class mixture model yielded three distinct trajectory classes dysregulation: (a) a Moderate-Stable group, modal demonstrated stable average regulative tendencies throughout adolescence, (b) Low-Decreasing self-regulation childhood, (c) High-Increasing low self-regulative (higher dysregulation) 10 became increasingly dysregulated adolescence. Individuals group than those groups. Our findings also reinforce past work indicates considerable individual differences intra-individual change across patterns dysregulation can impact tendencies.