The Mediating Role of Behavioral Self-Regulatory Processes in the Relationship between Self-Perception and Adolescent Functioning

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of behavioral selfregulatory processes in the relationship between self-perception and adolescent functioning among high school students in Shiraz. Participants were 380 students (192 females and 188 males) who were selected through random cluster sampling. They completed the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, the SelfRegulation Questionnaire, and Adolescent Functioning Scale. The validity and reliability of the research scales were verified via factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Using SPSS 24 and AMOS 24, the descriptive data was analyzed to obtain the correlation matrix between the variables and to test the research hypotheses and model. The results showed that the research model fit well with the data collected. According to the findings, some dimensions of selfperception could directly predict positive development and antisocial behavior among the components of adolescent functioning. This means that behavioral conduct directly promotes positive development and reduces the anti-social behavior. Global self-worth can also directly and negatively predict emotional difficulties. Besides, the research hypothesis regarding the mediating role of behavioral self-regulation in the relationship between self-perception dimensions and adolescents' functioning was confirmed. The findings highlight the important role of behavioral self-regulation and self-perception in the development of adolescent functions including positive development, emotional difficulties, antisocial behaviors and oppositional behavior. Therefore, it is suggested that educational systems considered the formation of positive self-perception and selfawareness of adolescents as much as possible to provide the basis for improving self-regulation and increasing the positive functions of adolescence.