Critically Discuss the Role of Self-Control free essay sample

Self-control separates us from our ancient ancestors and the rest of the animal kingdom, thanks to our large prefrontal cortices. Rather than responding to immediate impulses, we can plan, we can evaluate alternative actions, and we can refrain from doing things well regret. We can also take advantage of these innately human abilities by developing wisdom and willpower. Neuroscientists often report that, although we have only one brain, we have two minds: one that works impulsively and seeks immediate gratification and another one that controls our impulses and delays gratification until we meet our future goals. When these two minds have competing goals, we face challenges related to the strength of our will. The writer and health psychologist at the University of Stanford, Kelly McGonigal, says strategies from her book entitled The WillPower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It and her themes include diet and weight loss, health, addictions, smoking cessation, temptations, procrastination, stress, exercise, self-remorse and shame. I will continue my essay by indicating some studies and their results. People behave differently when theyve ingested calories recently as opposed to when they havent. Less hungry organisms might be more patient, less punitive, and better able to concentrate on a task before them, for instance. This should seem intuitive to all of us who get really grouchy when we havent eaten in a while (as in the hungry people in commercials from the clever series of Snickers ads) and makes a lot of sense from the standpoint of thinking about how to design an organism that has many possible priorities. Hungry organisms should be expected to behave differently from full ones, generally shifting their attention and energy toward getting food, to the exclusion of other priorities. A new paper by Molden et al. o appear in Psychological Science, The Motivational versus Metabolic Effects of Carbohydrates on Self-Control, reports four experiments that put these ideas to the test. ‘In the first study, the authors wanted to address a shortcoming of prior work by using very accurate tools to measure glucose. Subjects fasted for four hours, had their blood glucose measured, performed a self-control task frequently used in this literature, and then had their blood glucose measured again. For the glucose model of self-control to be correct, the readings must be lower after the task than before. Not only did glucose not go down, but it went up (from 81. 7 mg/dL to 82. 39 mg/dL), though not statistically significantly. To connect this back to the key paper in this literature (cited 287 times, as of this writing), in that paper (Gailliot et al. , 2007), across four studies reported (for subjects who did not fast), glucose also went up about 1 mg/dL. So thats consistent with the prior results. It contrasts, however, with the report from that same paper of a drop of 5. 88 mg/dL, results from subjects who had fasted. This implies that there was indeed a problem with the measurement in that study, or there was some other problem with the data. In a second experiment, the authors drew on some studies from the exercise literature that there is in the paper in Evolutionary Psychology. In this work, it was found that merely rinsing with sugar solutions increases performance on physical activity (e. g. , bicycling), suggesting that increased performance on cognitive tasks might be due to the sensation of reward when one drinks a beverage with carbohydrates in it, rather than willpower fuel. ’ Molden et al used a similar procedure, having people complete a self-control task and then swish—but not swallow—solution with sugar or a non-sugar sweetener. Briefly, they found that swishing the glucose solution—but not the sweetener—yielded effects frequently seen in this literature, suggesting that that, just as in the exercise case, its the reward, not the glucose itself, thats affecting behavior. A third study replicated the second, the last study showed that swishing with the sugary solution doesnt give rise to more glucose in the blood. In sum, these data, as well as other sets of results, clearly show that exerting self-control does not, in fact, reduce glucose, a finding which is not surprising, given that it is consistent with what is known about brain metabolism. The results that apparently contradict this result, those reported by Gailliot et al (Study 1), might very well, it seems, be due to error in the measurement device, or some other factor. The findings that exerting self-control doesnt reduce blood glucose critically undermines the larger model, which turns on the idea that whatever the resource is, performing self-control task uses it up. If self-control tasks do not reduce blood glucose, then the reason for subsequent drops in self-control tasks cant possibly be due to a drop in glucose. The willpower is a useful definition to understand an abstract concept, but unlike the hysical strength, willpower is not something that anyone can practice. Or maybe is? It is commonly known that the practice of specific brain functions improves performance on projects that require the use of these functions. But unearthed some fascinating broader impact of cognitive training: recent research indicates that cognitive training can lead to improvemen ts in other aspects of life. A study that published in the journal Psychological Science, showed that daily brain training can help boost willpower and promotes healthy lifestyle choices in many ways. Researchers from the University of Amsterdam studied a group of alcoholics who had trouble controlling the automatic urge to consume alcohol. The researchers hypothesized that enhancing cognitive functions such as working memory, which is important for the maintenance and manipulation of information for prospective targets, could indirectly help alcoholics to control their impulses and drink less. To test this theory, the researchers divided the participants into two groups. The team completed 25 training sessions daily challenge of working memory involving exercises. Participants in the control group also completed daily exercises for working memory, but only performed the easiest level for each one. To test this theory, the researchers divided the participants into two groups. The team completed 25 training sessions daily challenge of working memory involving exercises. Participants in the control group also completed daily exercises for working memory, but only performed the easiest level for each one. The results showed that the training group improved their memory capacity and also consumed less alcohol than the control group. In addition, improvements were duration: one month later the group participants had even less education level of alcohol consumption compared with the control group. This research indicates that daily cognitive exercise can contribute to gains in lifestyle in addition to improving the functioning of the brain may contribute to the overall smarter decisions, which can sustain the body healthy. Both the mind and body derive from the same source of power. But what is the source? Matthew Gailliot, a researcher at the University of Amsterdam states that ‘the fuel of willpower is glucose. Somehow this is not surprising, since glucose is the dominant fuel material of our body. It is the same material used by skeletal muscles to exert their power and the same material that the brain uses for various projects. What is surprising is that willpower utilizes much of this material, even when the body is resting. According to Gailliot, ‘willpower is a costly mental energy, using many b rain areas and requiring high levels of glucose. ’ (Gailliot et al. 2007) The Gailliot and colleagues showed that self-monitoring simple actions require high levels of glucose. In one set of studies Gailliot, participants had to control their thoughts, feelings or behavior. Immediately after each self-energy, glucose levels in the blood of participants decreased. Glucose levels did not fall during similar projects in which the participants had no self control. Participants then were asked to repeat the actions of self. Those whose glucose levels had fallen more in the first exercise, had the worst performance in the second attempt. The participants were given a sugary drink between projects were more able to exert willpower during the second attempt. A recent publication in the journal NewScientist study conducted by psychologists at Florida State University, said that whenever a man enters the test to resist a temptation then exhaust and some of its stored power for temperance. For example, a man who follows a specific diet plan and frequently goes to the dilemma whether to succumb to the temptation to eat or not to eat a cake and break the diet, then every time a bit of exhaust stocks of temperance. The more often tucked into similar temptations, the more certain is that it will soon be rid of inhibitions. The researchers concluded that ‘every time we practice self-control we use some of the saved will power and it is required some time to complete the stocks again. ’ Perhaps this explains the fact that most people who follow for a first time a hypocaloric diet usually apply it more consistently, with each subsequent effort becomes increasingly difficult. In the same study, researchers found another conclusion. The people who had drunk one juice a few minutes before the imminent process of resistance exercise showed much greater ability continence than those who had not eaten anything or had consumed a beverage with sugar substitute. The glucose that is contained in the natural juice has been a key factor to increase the levels of abstinence before the sight of a tempting cake. Finally, the researchers concluded in another conclusion. The constant effort to reduce restraint stocks glucose to the brain so if there is constant replenishment of the body with glucose from natural sources such as fruits and natural juices then willpower is a matter of time run out with mathematical precision leading to a vicious cycle of bulimia episodes, guilt and stop dieting. For someone to train his willpower and self-control will have to exert just as we entered the process to develop the muscular system in a gym. Adopting clocked stable meals as described above is the first step in developing a sound nutritional awareness. Establishing a specific time to exercise, for example, every evening at 6 pm will create a new neural interface that would relieve the daily dilemma when to exercise or if you have the time to workout, leaving more room in willpower to be used for other potential dilemmas. If these goals are precise and not obscure or generally then increase the chances to be implemented. It is preferable to have in mind a positive outcome rather than bother with the fear of failure. The vision and focus on a positive outcome is the best strategy for achieving a goal. Imagine in a room hundreds of four year old children who enjoy delicious cookies and candy. Before they manage to enjoy the next cookie, the researcher offered two options: †¢ to immediately get one last cookie †¢ take two cookies, but if they wait 15 minutes. Can toddlers resist the sweet temptation and wait for 15 minutes, or are delivered to the immediate gratification of their appetites? This simple test of willpower and similar studies that followed in subsequent years, revealed the importance of self-discipline and self-control in children, and showed that these characteristics affect subsequent adulthood. Decades after the experiment with the sweet and having analyzed the data from the children, who participated, scientists have identified the underlying brain circuits responsible for willpower. Lets look at the details and conclusions of the experiment: Want a cookie? Nearly 40 years ago, more than 600 children participated in the experiment of sweets designed by psychologist Walter Mischel and his colleagues at Stanford University. ‘Sometimes researchers do not have enough time to finish their speech about the experiment and the children had already begun to eat candy or cookie,’ said neuroscientist BJ Casey from the Medical College Weill Cornell, which has taken part in several studies from this research. ‘But other four year managed to wait, playing or creating imaginary friends, so they were distracted. The researchers then noticed that many of the children who quickly succumbed to the temptation had lower school grades, higher body mass index and a slightly increased risk of substance abuse later. Casey called these children quickly gave in and did not succumb to the temptation as a ‘weakness’, while the other succumbed as ‘high r esistance’. ‘Of course, if you are in the group of weakness, you are not doomed to a life of poor quality. These results are the average of the whole group and not applicable for everyone,’ said Casey. ‘Personally, I think we need both types, high and low resistance. The high impedance is more methodical, while low resistance may be more prone but pay more attention to new or interesting things tempting. If you need investigators, the low resistances are the ones you want. ’ Individuals weakness could be said to be living in today, here and now, are creative, social, features live, become the focus of our attention. But for all that the price is the lack of preparation for tomorrow. Individuals high resistance geared for tomorrow, paving the way for future successes, saving economies and make healthy choices of activities. Naturally risking everything because there is a risk they expect to achieve in the future may not be ever! Mischel meet again the children of the experiment after 14 years, when they were teenagers and he spotted on their celebrities almost the same features. The ‘abstinent’ kids that had shown resistance to impulse, characterized them confidence, reliability and good performance in their courses, while ‘non-abstinent’ the professor found them to be stubborn and impulsive, with an average grade at test that the abstemious made†¦ In another study by Mischel and his colleagues found some tricks that could use small children to resist temptation. For example think of sweets like cookies or clouds as images. Probably next surveys will determine if educating people to pay attention to things that help them regulate their behavior, could help them defeat obesity or an addiction. In a recent study presented by Professor Philip Zimbardo, psychology at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society, found that there is another important dimension to the ability or inability of the kid to ostpone immediate consumption of sweets. According to the American psychologist, the kids directly ate the sweets are captives of current needs, while those who postponed consumption is future-oriented and decisions taken for the long term. We all seem to have something inside us that guides our decisions, which is formed by a multitude of factors, such as family environment, our financial position, our level of education, the geographical area in which we grow and the culture to which we belong . According to Garavan, although it is difficult to define exactly what makes a man impulsive or cautious by looking his brain, age always brings changes and this gives researchers information. The front lobes are parts of the brain that matures last: they grow and change even during the decade of 20-30 years. This may explain the difficulty of adolescents to demonstrate self-control. But the elderly have the reputation that they have no inhibitions, especially as regards the expression of their views. Brain imaging studies have shown that with the passage of time more and larger areas required to maintain self-control, which means that as we age the system becomes less efficient and requires strengthening. The sex finally appears to play a role as men are more impulsive than women and even from an early age. Perhaps that explains the fact that boys exhibit more behavioral problems such as aggression or attention deficit and hyperactivity, compared with girls. Garavan ascribes this to the influence of sex hormones on the brain. Besides neurological, scientists have identified and physiological differences between compulsive and moderate people. Suzzane Segerstorm from the University of Kentucky found that people with greater ability to resist temptations showed a temporary increase in HRV (heart rate variability, an indicator of small variations in heart rate), which was followed by his fall. As there are people with higher HRV index, it is reasonable to assume that they pose for intrinsically greater capacity self. In terms of physiology, however, glucose levels in our blood seem to be crucial for maintaining the strength of our will. The granting of a sweet lemonade volunteers before exercise self-control, increased the chances of success than those who did not drink the lemonade or those where the lemonade instead of sugar was added artificial sweetener. This observation may explain why they fail grandiose plans: to stop smoking may require all reserves of self-control and not something left over for regular exercise and healthy eating. Given that all of the above shows that the strength of our self-control determined by biology, we can conclude that there is no reason to try to change what we have inherited. The researchers did not agree and explain that willpower is like our muscular system: open practice and improvement. Additionally it was found that if someone exercises self-control in one part of his life, the improvement will extend to several areas. What we have to do, researchers say, is a detailed written plan of objectives (found to the complete recording of the target dramatically increases the chances of implementation), to maintain high levels of glucose and attack!