Intentional self-regulation among young adults: Investigating the structure of selection, optimization, and compensation among West Point Cadets

Abstract

Intentional Self-Regulation (ISR) – broadly defined, goal-directed behavior – is an important skill in promoting positive and adaptive development across the life span. The Selection-Optimization-Compensation (SOC) model of ISR describes goal directed behavior among children, adolescents, and adults. This study used an inductive and deductive approach to examine the factor structure of a SOC measure among 4909 cadets from the 2018-2023 graduating classes of the United States Military Academy. An 11-item, SOC measure was administered to all first-year Cadets during Cadet Basic Training, and analyses compared results of an exploratory factor analysis with multiple, theoretically suggested structures using confirmatory factor analysis procedures. Findings suggest that ISR consisted of three structures: Execution (composed of selection and optimization items), persistence, and compensation. Future research should explore the developmental trajectories of these three ISR structures and determine the relationship between ISR and important performance outcomes within the leadership context.