Self-control ≠ temporal discounting

Abstract

This paper explores self-control beyond the framework of time discounting, as is conventional in economics and decision research. Contrary to the notion that self-control failures stem from hyperbolic time discounting or present bias, we argue that self-control problems represent conflicts between the motivational thrusts of affects – i.e., emotions, physiological states, and cognitive motivational feeling states – and deliberations about the best course of behavior. Drawing upon theoretical foundations and empirical evidence, we highlight how affective states can both undermine and necessitate self-control. We critique the temporal discounting model for its inability to account for diverse self-control scenarios and propose that effective self-regulation often involves strategies to avoid or manage affective triggers, thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of self-control mechanisms.