Profiles of self-regulation and their association with behavior problems among sexually abused children

This study aimed to delineate profiles of self-regulation among sexually abused children and their association with behavior problems using a person-centered approach. A sample of 223 children aged six to 12, their parents, and teachers were recruited in specialized intervention centers. Latent profile analysis revealed four profiles: (1) <i>Dysregulated,</i> (2) <i>Inhibited,</i> (3) <i>Flexibly Regulated,</i> and (4) <i>Parent Perceived Self-Regulation</i>. Children from the <i>Flexibly Regulated</i> profile showed relatively low behavior problems, and those from the <i>Dysregulated</i> profile were characterized by high behavior problems. Children from the <i>Parent Perceived Self-Regulation</i> profile showed overall good adaptation, although teachers reported higher behavior problems than parents. Children from the <i>Inhibited</i> profile, characterized by the highest level of inhibition but low parent-rated emotion regulation competencies and executive functions, showed the highest level of internalizing behavior problems, indicating that high inhibition does not necessarily translate to better adaptation. Results also show a moderation effect of sex. Being assigned to the <i>Inhibited</i> profile was associated with decreased externalizing behaviors in boys and increased internalizing behaviors in girls. This study underscores the complexity of self-regulation in sexually abused children and supports the need to adopt a multi-method and multi-informant approach when assessing these children.