Definition
Self-regulation is the process of guiding behaviour toward goals by monitoring progress, comparing to standards, and adjusting — often modelled as negative feedback loops.
Origin
Control-theory psychology (Carver & Scheier) and executive-function research (Baumeister, Gross) converged on loops rather than open-loop willpower: reference value, input, discrepancy reduction.
Mechanism
Hierarchical goals cascade from abstract intentions to concrete moves. Affect often tracks velocity toward or away from the standard — faster progress feels better; stagnation widens the felt gap. Failure modes include vague standards, purely social bars, and confusing self-criticism with regulation. Later replication work on strength-model self-control (limited resource) remains contested; control-theory loops still hold, but treat a single hard day as data, not proof of permanent depletion.
Applications
Use when coaching standards, stall, and shame — distinguish self-governance (volitional choice insert) from automatic compliance. Library entry points: Attention and Self-Regulation · On the Self-regulation of Behavior.
Sources
Cite
- Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (1998). On the self-regulation of behavior. Cambridge University Press
- Baumeister, R. F., & Heatherton, T. F. (1996). Self-regulation failure: An overview. Psychological Inquiry, 7(1), 1–15.
Related doctrine
Personal Standards · Be Your Real Boss