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a b s t r a c t
Keywords:
Self-Regulation
Self-management
Self-Control
Executive function
Cybernetics
Intrinsic motivation
PsycINFO classication:
3140
3120
Multiple models of self-regulation have been posited, yet despite the apparent overlap
between them, there is no common theoretical framework to unite the many theories.
Authors in the area of self-regulation research have noted the lack of cross-eld
communication due to the absence of a conceptual framework and of common terms to
describe self-regulatory processes (Bandura, 2005; Boekaerts, Maes, & Karoly, 2005;
Karoly, Boekaerts, & Maes, 2005). The objective of the current review is to propose
a common lexicon and a comprehensive model to integrate and organize the extant selfregulation research, thereby facilitating the understanding of self-regulation. The proposed
model revisits classic cybernetic theory (Wiener, 1948), and is composed of a reference,
input, comparator, and output. Each of these components is represented in current selfregulation theory, and is discussed as it relates to self-regulation models and ongoing
empirical research.
2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Table 1
Self-regulation theories as they parallel the cybernetic-based self-regulation framework components.
Bandura, 1986
Baumeister et al.,
1994
Ford, 1987
Frese & Zapf, 1994
Gollwitzer, 1990
Gross, 1999
Higgins, 1987
Input
Comparator
Output
Self-monitoring
Self-Evaluation
Absent
Absent
Input function
Comparator
Self-Reinforcement
Self-Efcacy
Ego depletion
Glucose depletion
Limited resources
Increasing strength
Output
Absent
Implicit: perception of
performance
Absent
Whether performance meets
aspiration
Absent
Success or failure
Absent
Absent
Monitoring
Execution
Implicit: Perception of
performance
Attentional deployment
Cognitive change
Response modulation
Actual self
Self-monitoring
Self-Evaluation
Implicit: Goal
Absent
Absent
Absent
Goal
Outcome expectancy
Attitude towards behavior
Social inuence
Self-efcacy determines the
goals that are set
Choice depletes resources
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5.3. Self-reinforcement
Self-reinforcement is dened as the self-administration
of a reward or punishment based on the outcome of the
discrepancy calculation computed by the comparator. Selfreinforcement is central to Banduras (1986) and Kanfers
(1970; Kanfer & Karoly, 1972) models of self-regulation.
These authors describe this component as central within
the process of self-regulation, as it assists in long-term
learning. More specically, self-reinforcement may be
conceptualized as a variant of operant conditioning, in
which repeated self-administered rewards facilitate
behavioral change. Just as with the other components of
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