Self-regulation theory (SRT)

Self-regulation theory (SRT) is a psychological concept dealing with human self-regulation, or the ability of individuals to control their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. SRT mainly developed in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries based on the ideas of theorists such as Albert Bandura, Barry Zimmerman, and Roy Baumeister. These theorists identified four main aspects of SRT, namely standards, motivations, monitoring, and willpower, that constantly affect every person’s existence.

Background

The concept of people controlling, or at least attempting to control, their own perceptions, feelings, and actions is as old as humanity itself. However, only in relatively recent times have researchers begun studying the exact processes by which people do this and ways in which people can use this control over themselves to improve their lives and the lives of others.

Psychologists and researchers from many fields have contributed to the creation of SRT in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Among the most notable of these experts was Canadian American psychologist Albert Bandura. In the 1990s, Bandura studied the concept of self-efficacy, which means how people feel about their abilities to meet their goals and influence the events in their lives.

A person’s self-efficacy has wide-ranging effects on that person’s behavior, feelings, and thoughts. Usually, people with stronger senses of self-efficacy have more positive outlooks, invite new challenges, and feel confident about their abilities. Alternately, people with low self-efficacy may avoid challenges, lack the dedication necessary to reach goals, or feel that they are unable to function at a high level. These negative feelings may actually serve to sabotage their effectiveness in life.

Bandura’s studies of self-efficacy led him and others to study more aspects of how people view themselves, their capabilities, and their role within their personal life circumstances. A fellow researcher, American educational expert Barry Zimmerman, applied the ideas of self-efficacy to the learning process through the self-regulated learning (SRL) theory. This theory relates to the process by which students take responsibility for actively participating in their own educations. Students who succeed with SRL are likely to make thoughtful plans, monitor their progress, and reflect on their experiences. They will likely prosper where other students do not.

American social psychologist Roy Baumeister also became a leading theorist in the development and use of SRT. Through his studies of the self and self-perception, often within various social settings, Baumeister helped to define different parts and uses of SRT through the 2000s. His models of SRT show it as a four-part process involving a person’s willpower, personal standards, motivation, and ability to monitor and interpret thoughts and events.

Overview

Self-regulation theory is based on the psychological concept of self-regulation. The simplest definition of self-regulation is control over oneself. It relates to the ability of a person to do what is perceived right instead of following every passing urge and instinct. For example, self-regulation allows a person to choose a healthy, well-balanced meal even if cake and cookies would be tastier, because the person understands the healthy meal will provide better long-term results.

Based on the theories of Bandura, self-regulation is a process that occurs constantly within the human mind. This process allows people to observe and monitor their behavior as well as the ways their behavior affects the world and other people. Self-regulation allows people to judge their behavior based on various standards, such as personal standards of acceptable behavior, societal standards, and standards specific to the circumstances. Lastly, this process allows people to respond to their own behavior by forming reactions and opinions about it.

The aspects of self-regulation occur constantly and are often mostly invisible. Most people take them for granted, never stopping to notice, reflect upon, or manage them. However, self-regulation plays a significant role in developing a person and determining that person’s thoughts, behaviors, and effects on the world. These factors all relate to self-regulation theory.

Baumeister identified four primary parts of SRT. The first part is a standard of a proper behavior, whether it is held by an individual or a group. The second part is a person’s motivation to strive for and attempt to meet this standard. The third part relates to a person’s self-monitoring of his or her own progress, particularly instances where he or she breaks or fails to meet standards. Finally, the fourth part of SRT is willpower, or the strength that allows people to control their desires.

SRT strives to outline how and why people make their constant decisions about what they should feel, how they should act, or what they should say or do. For instance, why might a person stuck at a boring party choose to smile politely instead of making rude comments and storming out? Additionally, SRT studies the formation and effects of different kinds of standards. Standards of social propriety or personal duty, for example, might guide a person to believe a polite smile is the best course of action.

SRT theorists have identified two main facets of self-regulation. One involves control of the emotions and the other of the behaviors. People who excel in both types of self-regulation can manage themselves in an array of situations, keeping their cool and making thoughtful decisions about how to feel and act. Generally, they can resist impulses, assess different situations, and maintain positive outlooks. They can also evaluate their choices and experiences, understand their successes, and cope with their failures.

However, Baumeister also recognized that such constant regulation can lead to burnout and will power can sometimes wane. His ego depletion theory identifies how taxing self-regulation can be and how the exertion of such control can lead to a loss of resources or will power. Therefore, Baumeister builds on this theory by explaining that people need to renew their energy and self-regulation capacity when such depletion sets in. This can include rest, relaxation, engaging in pleasurable activities, or taking breaks. In this way, if people reach depletion and are able to recognize it, they can then move to replenishment in order to reset and regain their focus and control.

People can learn to identify and even modify their self-regulation. Self-regulation therapy is one means by which people can restore or develop greater control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions. This therapy may take many forms but usually deals with mindfulness of the relationship between mental and physical activities.

Bibliography

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