Effortful Control but Not Negative Affectivity Predicts Intensity of Restricted Repetitive Behaviors in Toddlers With
Suzanne L Macari1, Grace K Bell1, Catherine Bianco1
1Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
JAACAP Open
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Early effortful control (EC) in toddlers predicted fewer restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs) later in childhood. Negative affectivity (NA) did not predict RRB severity, suggesting EC is key for managing RRBs in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental conditions
- Child psychology
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are common in neurodevelopmental conditions.
- RRB severity may indicate distress or reduced self-regulation.
- Early childhood traits like negative affectivity (NA) and effortful control (EC) may influence RRB development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prospective associations between early NA and EC and later RRB severity.
- To examine these associations in a transdiagnostic sample of toddlers, including those with autism.
- To test hypotheses linking RRB severity to distress and regulatory capacity.
Main Methods:
- 238 toddlers (165 with autism, 73 without) were assessed.
- Early NA and EC were measured at mean age 24.4 months.
- RRB severity was assessed at mean age 42.2 months using ADOS and ADI-R.
Main Results:
- Higher early EC predicted lower RRB severity on the ADI-R, but not the ADOS.
- EC was associated with reduced compulsive routines, stereotyped motor mannerisms, and object preoccupation.
- Early NA was not significantly associated with later RRB severity.
Conclusions:
- Early regulatory traits, specifically EC, show differential longitudinal links to RRBs.
- EC may play a role in the emergence or persistence of RRBs.
- Further research is needed to understand the null findings for NA, considering potential environmental influences.
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