ABSTRACT
Despite unimpressive tooth and claw, during their brief tenure on this planet humans have worked their way to the top of the food chain. This success is due in large part to the evolution of large frontal lobes that allow humans to negotiate complex and highly effective social relationships (Dunbar, 2007). One important suite of abilities located in the frontal lobes are the executive functions, which are responsible for planning, coordinating, and integrating the basic cognitive and affective processes with which people navigate their everyday existence. A critical component of executive functioning is the ability to inhibit inappropriate thought and action (Dempster, 1992; Hasher & Zacks, 1988; Hasher, Zacks, & May, 1999). Inhibition is necessary for negotiation (and subsequent compromise) of competing goals and for the delay of gratification required to pursue long-term goals once they are chosen (Baumeister, Schmeichel, & Vohs, 2007; Dunbar, 1992; Eigsti et al., 2006). These important tasks place inhibitory ability at the center of successful social functioning (for a complementary perspective, see Friese, Wänke, & Hofmann, Chapter 4, this volume).
