Self-regulation skills as statistical predictors of environmental awareness and consciousness in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

A cross-sectional study involving 224 preschool children (61-72 months old) investigated the relationship between self-regulation skills and environmental awareness and consciousness. The study found that 'attention' significantly and positively predicted environmental consciousness across the full sample and in both male and female subgroups, explaining a small but statistically significant portion of the variance. 'Working memory' also showed a significant positive prediction of environmental consciousness in males. 'Inhibitory control' did not meet the entry criteria as a predictor in the main regression models.

Why it matters

This research highlights the foundational role of early childhood cognitive development, specifically self-regulation skills like attention and working memory, in shaping children's environmental consciousness. Understanding these predictors can inform early intervention strategies and educational curricula aimed at fostering sustainable behaviors from a young age, potentially leading to a more environmentally responsible citizenry in the long term.

Key insights

• Attention statistically and positively predicts environmental consciousness in preschool children.
• This predictive relationship holds true for both male and female subgroups.
• Working memory significantly and positively predicts environmental consciousness specifically in male children.
• Inhibitory control did not emerge as a significant statistical predictor of environmental consciousness or awareness in the primary analyses.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1882365