ABSTRACT
S elf-regulation refers to the ways in which the mind exerts controls over its drives, functions, and states. Self-regulation is thus essential for keeping innate, base tendencies at bay in favor of more civilized behavior (Vohs & Baumeister, 2004). Self-regulation can be thought of as the self acting on itself for some higher or desired purpose, such as inhibiting the urge to make a cutting remark for the sake of harmoniousness, getting off the couch to go for a jog in the interest of health, or refraining from eating meat for the sake of one's ethical or religious beliefs.
