SelfControl

Self-control, also called self-regulation, is the ability to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses in order to pursue long-term goals. It encompasses delaying gratification, managing arousal, and sustaining effort.

The concept is studied as both a stable trait and a situational skill. It is closely linked to executive functions in the brain, including working memory, cognitive control, and response inhibition. Dual-process perspectives describe a fast, automatic 'hot' system and a slower, deliberate 'cool' system that can override impulses.

Measurement includes self-report scales (for example, the Self-Control Scale) and behavioral tasks such as delay of gratification experiments. Neuroimaging studies point to networks in the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate as supporting regulation of impulses and goal-directed behavior. The famous Marshmallow Test illustrates delay of gratification in children, with correlations to later outcomes, though results are not determinative.

Development is shaped by genetics, temperament, parenting, education, and environmental factors. Interventions to improve self-control focus on practice with goal setting, implementation intentions, habit formation, and designing environments that reduce temptations. The 'strength model' of self-control has proposed that willpower draws on a finite resource, but this view has been debated and alternative explanations emphasize motivation and self-efficacy.

Strong self-control is associated with better health, academic achievement, and financial decision-making, but it is not the sole determinant of success. Critics caution against overattributing outcomes to willpower and emphasize context, social support, and adaptive strategies. Related terms include self-regulation, executive function, and delayed gratification.