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Synonyms

Cognitive control; Deferred gratification; Delay of gratification; Self-control; Self-regulation

Definition

The ability to resist the impulse, drive, or temptation to perform an action.

Description

Impulse control, or the ability to resist a drive to perform an action, is an ability that develops over time in an individual. The factors contributing to the development of impulse control are complex and involve multiple domains including biological, developmental, psychological, and cultural factors [1]. The biological/anatomical aspects of the development of impulse control primarily relate to the development of specific brain structures. The cortical regions of the brain, generally the prefrontal cortexand more specifically the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), are thought to be responsible for regulation of impulse control. Lower volume of the orbitofrontal cortex, located in the lower region of the frontal cortex close to the orbital region of the skull, has been associated with...

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Bailer, B.A., Lindwall, J.J., Daly, B.P. (2011). Impulse Control. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1462

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1462

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-77579-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-79061-9

  • eBook Packages: Behavioral Science

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