Self-Regulation or Self-Regulatory Processing

Self-regulation, or self-regulatory processing, is a cognitive control function to manage our emotions and behaviors appropriately for the situation, including impulses, and cope with stress, frustration, and focus — though many find this to be difficult. We self-regulate through self-monitoring, goal-setting, feedback, self-reward, self-instruction, and enlistment of social support. Self-regulation is crucial for early personality and behavioral development, and with experiencing more positive feelings and manage conflict without being overwhelmed. It allows us to pursue and achieve short- and long-term goals (academic, career, health) and have positive relationships. Through self-regulatory processing, we can adjust our responses and behavior to new or challenging situations, often aided by deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and sleep. Psychology calls this maintaining desired states (also see Self-States). Self-regulation deficits can lead to social withdrawal or aggression (also see pathological narcissism). Self-regulatory processes include:

• Emotional regulation of strong emotions (anger, sadness) appropriate to the situation. 
• Impulse control and resisting immediate gratification to focus on long-term goals.
• Task persistence, keeping focus and effort on a task and planning to overcome barriers.
• Cognitive learning strategies to improve understanding, retention, and evaluation by monitoring, directing, and regulating actions toward goals.
• Behavioral adjustments to actions based on feedback and outcomes.