Self-control (also commonly referred to as selfRegulation) is the ability to control one's thoughts, emotions, urges, and behaviors. A person might exert self-control, for example, by trying to stop thinking about something unpleasant, escape a bad mood and feel better, or refrain from cursing in front of his or her parents. Self-control is conceptually similar to what many people refer to as self-discipline, willpower, or self-change. Although self-control can be regarded as an act, the capability for it is a personality trait. Some people are better at self-control than are others, not in every single occasion, but overall. Self-control measures are designed to identify which people are generally good at self-control and which ones are not.

The ability to exert self-control is vital to maintaining a ...