Temporal self-regulation theory: Integrating biological, psychological, and ecological determinants of health behavior performance

Abstract

Temporal self-regulation theory (TST) is an integrative model of individual health behavior that retains features of familiar social-cognitive models, but extends them to include neurobiological control resources and consideration of temporal factors in behavioral contingencies introduced by the ecological context in which the behavior occurs. The TST model posits that the intention-behavior link is subject to modification by executive control resources (i.e., inhibition, working memory, and attentional set shifting) and behavioral prepotency (i.e., habit strength, visceral appeal, or “default” status of the behavior). Intention itself is posited to be determined by the balance of costs and benefits of the behavior within a time-sensitive context, such that immediate factors are disproportionately influential. The TST model is intended to explain health protective behaviors, health risk behaviors, and single-occurrence choice behaviors that have relevance for health and wellbeing. Several links in the model are already supported by decades of research in behavioral economics, decision theory, social psychology, and cognitive neuroscience. In this chapter, we introduce the TST model, describe its linkages to each of these research disciplines, and provide recommendations for how it can guide intervention strategy in the field of public health.