Self-control is an aspect of inhibitory control, one of the core executive functions.[1][2]Executive functions are cognitive processes that are necessary for regulating one's behavior in order to achieve specific goals.[1][2] Defined more independently, self-control is the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses.[3] Thought to be like a muscle, acts of self-control expend a limited resource. In the short term, overuse of self-control leads to the depletion of that resource.[4] However, in the long term, the use of self-control can strengthen and improve the ability to control oneself over time.[3][5]
Self-control is also a key concept in the general theory of crime, a major theory in criminology. The theory was developed by Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi in their book A General Theory of Crime (1990). Gottfredson and Hirschi define self-control as the differentiating tendency of individuals to avoid criminal acts independent of the situations in which they find themselves.[7] Individuals with low self-control tend to be impulsive, inconsiderate towards others, risk takers, short-sighted, and nonverbal oriented. About 70% of the variance in questionnaire data operationalizing one construct of self-control was found to be genetic.[8]
^ abTimpano KR, Schmidt NB (February 2013). "The relationship between self-control deficits and hoarding: a multimethod investigation across three samples". Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 122 (1): 13–25. CiteSeerX10.1.1.396.9232. doi:10.1037/a0029760. PMID22924983. Self-control is the capacity to exert control over one's behavior and is necessary for directing personal behavior toward achieving goals.
^Muraven M, Baumeister RF, Tice DM (August 1999). "Longitudinal Improvement of Self-Regulation Through Practice: Building Self-Control Strength Through Repeated Exercise". The Journal of Social Psychology. 139 (4): 446–457. doi:10.1080/00224549909598404. ISSN0022-4545. PMID10457761.