Self-Regulation Failure: An Overview

TLDR

Self‑regulation failure stems from underregulation due to weak standards, poor monitoring, or insufficient strength, misregulation from false assumptions and emotional bias, and loss of control caused by attention lapses and transcendence failures. The paper reviews the major patterns of self‑regulatory failure. Evidence supports a limited‑resource model of self‑regulation and shows that people frequently surrender control.

Abstract

The major patterns of self-regulatory failure are reviewed. Underregulation occurs because of deficient standards, inadequate monitoring, or inadequate strength. Misregulation occurs because of false assumptions or misdirected efforts, especially an unwarranted emphasis on emotion. The evidence supports a strength (limited resource) model of self-regulation and suggests that people often acquiesce in losing control. Loss of control of attention, failure of transcendence, and various lapse-activated causes all contribute to regulatory failure.