Self-Regulation Theory Of Human Behavior

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Self-Regulation Self-regulation is a theory of human behavior involving cognitive, affective, motivational, and behavioral components and it refers to self generated thoughts, feelings and actions that are planned and cyclically adapted to the attainment of personal goals (Boekaerts, Pintrich & Zeidner, 2005). Although the term of self-regulation has many possible meanings, and descriptions in different areas of psychology, it was suggested that self-regulation is a continuing process that occurs both consciously and unconsciously which affect the ability to control responses (Strauman, Kolden, Stromquist, Davis, Kwapil, Heerey & Schneider, 2001). It is a skill that has overarching effects on an individual’s

The goals represent a cognitive-based motivational system and can be cognitive, affective, or behavioral in nature. Goals have strong motivational effects, which provide a sense of purpose and direction and goals influence motivation through self-evaluative reactions to peoples’ reactions and beliefs in peoples’ abilities for goal attainment (Bandura, 1988). However, goals will not have much motivational effect, if there is no personal commitment in the goal attainment process. Goal setting involves establishing a norm to serve as the aim of one’s action. In a various research self-regulation has been operationalized as a goal attainment process which involves establishing goals, monitoring behavior, and evaluating behavior to determine if it meets the established goals of the person (Kocovski & Endler, 2000). Based on self-regulation theories, peoples’ perceptions in the goal attainment process arise from two different motivation systems which are approach and avoidance. From the self-regulation perspective, approach and avoidance motivations have a significant impact on the course of goal

In this perspective; behavior, cognitive, personal factors and environmental events are the prominent features that affect each other (Bandura, 1999). Also, social cognitive theory focus on knowledge structures that is engaged in reciprocal interaction with the surrounding area to determine goal pursuit (Strauman & Wilson, 2010). There are various social-cognitive models for individual differences in approach and avoidance. For instance, Carver and Scheier’s (1990) control oriented model of self-regulation assumes that there are two different systems, which are ‘discrepancy reducing’ and ‘discrepancy enlarging’. Carver (1996) has associated these two systems to approach and avoidance processes, respectively. In the review of Elliot and Church (1997) the distinction between approach and avoidance goals were specified in terms of specific domain of achievement. In the self-discrepancy theory, there are two significant terms, which are ideals and oughts. Ideal self is composed of aspirations, hopes and positive wishes about self and they are associated with positive outcomes when they are achieved and negative outcomes such as disappointment when they are not achieved (Carver, Lawrance, & Scheier, 1999). On the contrary, ought selves are described by a sense of duty, responsibility and necessity. Ought selves are associated with negative outcomes such as fear and worry when