PSYC19H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter Introduction: Self-Control, Waking Hours, B. F. Skinner
Document Summary
When psychologists isolate the personal qualities that predict positive outcomes in life they consistently find two traits: intelligence and self-control. Self- (cid:272)o(cid:374)t(cid:396)ol is lost as (cid:449)illpo(cid:449)e(cid:396) is depleted. Willpo(cid:449)e(cid:396) is fuelled (cid:271)(cid:455) glu(cid:272)ose i(cid:374) the (cid:271)od(cid:455)"s (cid:271)loodst(cid:396)ea(cid:373). Willpower is like a muscle and becomes fatigued from overuse, but may also be strengthened over the long term via exercise. Poor self-control correlates with personal and social problems: violence, unachievment in school, lack of exercise, chronic anxiety, explosive anger, drug abuse. Poor self-control correlates with individual trauma: losing friends, being fired, and getting divorced. Self-control came in dead last among the virtues being studied by researchers that had surveyed people around the world asking them to list character strengths. When asked about their failings lack of self- control was at the top of the list. Men and women had beepers that went off and were asked if they had felt a desire now/recently.
