Taking Control: An Integrated Model of Dispositional Self-Control and Measure

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical model of self-control as a dynamic process. In situations demanding self-control, the individual experiences one of two types of temptations: Impulsiveness or procrastination, followed by an inner struggle between yielding to and overcoming the temptation. When the individual activates personal resources to overcome mptations, the process of selfcontrol takes place. Individuals vary in their abilities to overcome temptations; some overcome them immediately, while others need to call upon what we define as intrinsic and extrinsic control mechanisms. We suggest that intrinsic control mechanisms are selfactions and thoughts that individuals employ when they need to exert control, whereas extrinsic control mechanisms are actions that address others and seek their help in overcoming the temptation. We present and test the theory with a context-free self-control measure in four studies.

Keywords: self-control, control mechanisms, scale construction, individual differences