Self Regulation
Importance
Extensive research indicates that self-regulation—the ability to direct one's attention, thoughts, moods, and behavior in line with one's personal goals— is among the most critical skills in life. High levels of self-regulation predict better academic achievement, greater professional success and income, stronger interpersonal relationships, more fulfillment, and better health (Baumeister, Heatherton, & Tice, 1994; Duckworth, 2011; Duckworth & Seligman, 2005; Mischel, Shoda, & Peake, 1988; Moffitt et al., 2011; Ridder, Ouwehand, Stok, & Aarts, 2011; Ryan & Deci, 2000; Shoda, Mischel, & Peake, 1990). Given that self-regulation underlies such a diversity of highly valued outcomes, it would be of great value to identify successful interventions that can allow individuals to effectively develop and exert such control.