Marshmallow Self Regulation

Can you resist one marshmallow now so you can get two marshmallows later? Exemplifying self-regulation in a widely-known study, Mischel found that children who resisted the first marshmallow in favor of two marshmallows were more likely to be academically successful (1989). Self-regulation is the ability to override automatic tendencies, desires, or behaviors to achieve long-term goals (Schmeichel & Baumeister, 2011). By the same token, driving is a goal-directed activity that requires self-regulation of emotions and behavior, perhaps in response to an irksome tailgater or inclement weather conditions. Can you resist the metaphorical marshmallow while driving?
Key to resisting that marshmallow, self-regulation…. Self-regulation is often considered part of a larger process, emotional intelligence. Greek philosophers viewed emotions as being an obstruction to rational thought (Grewal, Brackett, & Salovey, 2006). Historically, the changing views of functional rationality of emotions and definitions of …show more content…
Self-regulation can be thought of as he power to choose of your own volition to be mindful and purposeful. Self-regulation, sometimes referred to as effortful control, may involve counter-intuitive actions (Bauer & Baumeister, 2011). As defined by Bauer and Baumeister, the goal of self-regulation is to go against the self’s tendency to function on autopilot and to consciously move in a desired direction. Shouldn’t we be driving like that? Driving as if we were travelling? Self-regulation can be learned and reinforced over time with practice (Bauer & Baumeister, 2011). Cognitive skills are a key aspect of self-regulation exemplified in goal setting, strategic planning, self-evaluation, causal attributions, and attention. Affective skills are another pivotal aspect of self-regulation with the understanding that effective emotional regulation will put someone in a better position to control