ABSTRACT
Problems of Behavioral Excesses One type of self-control problem consists of behavioral excesses-doing too much of something. Examples are overeating, watching YouTube excessively, and drinking too much coffee. All such behavioral excesses lead to immediate reinforcers (e.g., tasty food, enjoyable scenes on YouTube). Even though the excesses might eventually lead to negative consequences, the latter are often ineffective. Let’s see why.
Immediate Reinforcers Versus Delayed Punishers for a Behavior Suppose that a teenager wants to go out with friends but still has homework. When the parents ask about the homework, the teenager lies and is allowed to leave with friends. Lying is immediately reinforced. The lie is not discovered until later, and the consequent punishment (e.g., being grounded, failing the assignment) is long delayed from the instance of lying. If a behavior leads to immediate reinforcers but delayed punishers, the immediate reinforcers often win out. Many problems of self-control stem from this fact (Brigham, 1989a, 1989b). The immediate backslapping and laughter of friends after someone “chugs” a pitcher of beer may override the delayed punishing consequences of a hangover. The immediate reinforcing consequences from sexual behavior with a friend’s spouse may override the delayed hurt and emotional anguish when the friend finds out and is no longer a friend.
