Although the focus of research for decades, there is a surprising lack of consensus on what is (and what is not) self-control. We review some of the most prominent theoretical models of self-control, including those that highlight conflicts between smaller-sooner versus larger-later rewards, "hot" emotions versus "cool" cognitions, and efficient automatic versus resource-intensive controlled processes. After discussing some of their shortcomings, we propose an alternative approach based on tenets of construal level theory (Trope et al., 2021) that integrates these disparate models while also providing novel insights. Specifically, we model self-control as a problem of regulatory scope-the range of considerations one accounts for in any decision or behavior. Self-control conflicts occur when the pursuit of specific local opportunities threatens the ability to address motivational priorities that span a broader array of time, places, individuals, and possibilities. Whereas a more contractive consideration of relevant concerns may prompt indulgence in temptation, a more expansive consideration of concerns should not only help people identify the self-control conflict but also successfully resolve it. We review empirical evidence that supports this new framework and discuss implications and new directions. This regulatory framework not only clarifies what is and what is not self-control but also provides new insights that can be leveraged to enhance self-control in all its various forms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

中文翻译：

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将自我控制理解为监管范围的问题。


尽管几十年来一直是研究的焦点，但令人惊讶的是，对于什么是（什么不是）自我控制却缺乏共识。我们回顾了一些最著名的自我控制理论模型，包括那些强调较小的早期奖励与较大的后期奖励、“热”情绪与“冷”认知之间的冲突，以及高效的自动控制过程与资源密集型控制过程之间的冲突。在讨论了它们的一些缺点之后，我们提出了一种基于解释水平理论原则的替代方法（Trope et al., 2021），该方法整合了这些不同的模型，同时也提供了新颖的见解。具体来说，我们将自我控制建模为监管范围的问题——一个人在任何决策或行为中考虑的考虑范围。当对特定本地机会的追求威胁到解决跨越更广泛的时间、地点、个人和可能性的动机优先事项的能力时，自我控制冲突就会发生。对相关问题进行更狭隘的考虑可能会导致沉迷于诱惑，而对问题进行更广泛的考虑不仅可以帮助人们识别自我控制冲突，而且可以成功解决它。我们回顾支持这一新框架的经验证据，并讨论影响和新方向。这一监管框架不仅阐明了什么是自我控制，什么不是自我控制，而且还提供了新的见解，可用于增强各种形式的自我控制。 （PsycInfo 数据库记录 (c) 2024 APA，保留所有权利）。