samoregulaciju

Samoregulacija (self-regulation) refers to the processes by which individuals direct, monitor, and adjust their thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve long-term goals. It encompasses voluntary regulation of attention, impulses, and affect, as well as planning and evaluating behavior.

The construct draws on theories of self-regulation and executive function. Core components typically include goal setting, self-monitoring, decision-making, and adaptive response adjustment. Neurobiologically, self-regulation relies on prefrontal circuits, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, interacting with limbic regions to modulate arousal and reward processing.

Measurement varies widely: trait approaches assess general self-control with questionnaires; state- or task-focused measures use tasks like go/no-go, Stroop, delay of gratification, or ecological momentary assessment. The construct is related to, but distinct from, emotion regulation, which more specifically targets how affect is modulated, and from impulse control, which emphasizes inhibitory processes.

Developmentally, samoregulacija emerges in early childhood and is shaped by parenting practices, schooling, stress, and culture. It tends to improve with age, though impairments or delays are observed in several clinical conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders. In education and health, fostering self-regulated learning and health behaviors—through goal setting, planning, self-monitoring, and feedback—has strong empirical support.

Contemporary debates include the ego-depletion model, which posits limited resource reserves for self-control, and its replication concerns. Cross-cultural research highlights variability in norms and strategies for regulating thoughts and behavior. In practice, samoregulacija is regarded as a foundational skill for adaptive functioning across contexts, from classrooms and workplaces to everyday decision-making.