Lecture 3 ‘Self-control’
Hanneke Bos 6167055
This week’s readings and lecture focus on self-control. Self-regulation and self-
control are intertwined, but mostly considered distinct concepts in the literature on
goal pursuit.
For this assignment, describe how self-control relates to self-regulation. Do this by
defining both concepts and describing how they relate to each other. Additionally,
use an example of goal-directed behaviour, and describe how self-regulation and
self-control support goal pursuit.
Use a maximum of 400 words.
Self regulation refers to the capacity of the self to alter behavior in accordance with certain
standards, goals, ideals or desired end states, stemming from internal or societal expectations.
It includes goal-setting, goal striving and monitoring. A person experiences discrepancy
between the current state and desired state, which is uncomfortable and therefore motivates
action.
Self control refers to the operating phase of self regulation. It is defined by the
capacity of the self to override or change inner reactions, and interrupts undesired behavioural
tendencies. It prioritizes a long term goal over a short term goal. Self control decreases
discrepancy between the current and ideal state, by changing, overriding, initiating or
inhibiting behaviours, thoughts and emotions.
Goal directed behavior is behavior towards attaining a particular goal. An example is
studying to get a grade of 8 or higher for an upcoming exam.
Goal setting is getting an 8 or higher for the test. Goal striving is studying for the test
and putting lots of effort in getting that grade. Monitoring is keeping up with how you are
doing; did you learn enough, how much do you still need to learn, what do you need to
practice more, etc.
You feel discrepancy between the current state (not knowing the literature for the
exam) and the ideal state (knowing the literature so you will get an 8 or higher for the exam).
This motivates action, such as studying for the exam. While studying you will have to deal
with temptations such as watching Netflix, drinking alcohol or wanting to go to parties.
Self control is prioritizing the long term goal (getting a 8 or higher) over the short term
goal (partying with your friends or watching Netflix). Self control changes, overrides, initiates
or inhibits behaviours, thoughts and emotions. For example not feeling bad you missed a
party but feeling proud that you studied instead, not turning on the TV to watch Netflix or not
thinking about having a drink with your friends. This decreases discrepancy between the
current and ideal state, because you will get closer to the goal you set.
Hanneke Bos 6167055
This week’s readings and lecture focus on self-control. Self-regulation and self-
control are intertwined, but mostly considered distinct concepts in the literature on
goal pursuit.
For this assignment, describe how self-control relates to self-regulation. Do this by
defining both concepts and describing how they relate to each other. Additionally,
use an example of goal-directed behaviour, and describe how self-regulation and
self-control support goal pursuit.
Use a maximum of 400 words.
Self regulation refers to the capacity of the self to alter behavior in accordance with certain
standards, goals, ideals or desired end states, stemming from internal or societal expectations.
It includes goal-setting, goal striving and monitoring. A person experiences discrepancy
between the current state and desired state, which is uncomfortable and therefore motivates
action.
Self control refers to the operating phase of self regulation. It is defined by the
capacity of the self to override or change inner reactions, and interrupts undesired behavioural
tendencies. It prioritizes a long term goal over a short term goal. Self control decreases
discrepancy between the current and ideal state, by changing, overriding, initiating or
inhibiting behaviours, thoughts and emotions.
Goal directed behavior is behavior towards attaining a particular goal. An example is
studying to get a grade of 8 or higher for an upcoming exam.
Goal setting is getting an 8 or higher for the test. Goal striving is studying for the test
and putting lots of effort in getting that grade. Monitoring is keeping up with how you are
doing; did you learn enough, how much do you still need to learn, what do you need to
practice more, etc.
You feel discrepancy between the current state (not knowing the literature for the
exam) and the ideal state (knowing the literature so you will get an 8 or higher for the exam).
This motivates action, such as studying for the exam. While studying you will have to deal
with temptations such as watching Netflix, drinking alcohol or wanting to go to parties.
Self control is prioritizing the long term goal (getting a 8 or higher) over the short term
goal (partying with your friends or watching Netflix). Self control changes, overrides, initiates
or inhibits behaviours, thoughts and emotions. For example not feeling bad you missed a
party but feeling proud that you studied instead, not turning on the TV to watch Netflix or not
thinking about having a drink with your friends. This decreases discrepancy between the
current and ideal state, because you will get closer to the goal you set.
