Todd A. Hare et al. use functional MRI techniques to show that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) are crucial to the exertion of self-control. They found the vmPFC encoded the value placed on pleasurable, but ultimately self defeating behavior versus that placed on long-term goals. Another... See more

Weak temptations present more of a challenge to overcome than strong temptations, because they appear less likely to compromise long-term values

A way to increase self-control in situations of a delayed outcome is to pre-expose the outcome. Pre-exposure reduces the frustrations related to the delay of the outcome. An example of this is signing bonuses.

One technique for inducing high-level construals is asking an individual a series of "why?" questions that lead to increasingly abstracted responses, whereas low-level construals are induced by "how?" questions leading to increasingly concrete answers.

Aristotle's virtue of temperance, which concerns having a well-chosen and well-regulated set of desires

In certain contexts, self-control manifested as other virtues: in frightening situations as courage, or in the face of aggravating situations as good temper

performance was higher among people who think their decisions meaningfully impact their outcomes.

argues instead that qualities such as self-control and moderation of affect and passions are mistakenly taken to be absolutely good.

a normal individual should have the capacity to be either impulsive or controlled depending on which is the most adaptive.