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11 - Changing Behavior Using Integrative Self-Control Theory

from Part I - Theory and Behavior Change

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2020

By
Wilhelm Hofmann ,
Simone Dohle  and
Kathi Diel
Edited by
Martin S. Hagger ,
Linda D. Cameron ,
Kyra Hamilton ,
Nelli Hankonen  and
Taru Lintunen
Martin S. Hagger
Affiliation:
University of California, Merced
Linda D. Cameron
Affiliation:
University of California, Merced
Kyra Hamilton
Affiliation:
Griffith University
Nelli Hankonen
Affiliation:
University of Helsinki
Taru Lintunen
Affiliation:
University of Jyväskylä
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Summary

Self-control problems are ubiquitous and a frequent target of behavior change interventions. From a theoretical perspective, self-control is not a unitary phenomenon but rather encompasses a vast and complex set of interacting aspects or key components. As the science of self-control keeps growing, the integration of these key components becomes increasingly important. To this end, an integrative self-control theory (integrative self-control theory) is proposed – a mid-level theory that connects seven psychological components or “hubs” of self-control: (1) desire; (2) self-control goal; (3) self-control conflict; (4) self-control motivation; (5) self-control capacity; (6) self-control effort; and (7) constraints. This chapter addresses the issue of behavior change from the perspective of this integrative theory of self-control. A brief introduction to the theory is followed by demonstrations on how it can be used to identify and classify various behavior change techniques in the self-control domain. Moreover, differences and similarities of integrative self-control theory next to more general frameworks such as the commitment-opportunity-motivation behavior model (Michie, Atkins, & West, 2014) are outlined, avenues for future research highlighted, and general recommendations for behavior change from the perspective integrative self-control theory provided.

Keywords

self-control desireself-control goalself-control conflictself-control motivationself-control capacityself-control effortenactment constraintsdesire strengthimpulse control trainingstimulus control
Type
Chapter
Information
The Handbook of Behavior Change , pp. 150 - 163
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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