A Control-Systems Approach to the Self-Regulation of Action

Abstract

" Beliefs are really rules for action, and the whole function of thinking is but one step in the produ c-tion of ... action." William James, The Pragmatic Method Over the last several years we have been working on the development of a theoretical account of the self-regulation of behavior. Our approach derives from many sources , including Duval and Wicklund 's (1972) self-awareness theory and the broader set of ideas known as control theory or cybernetics (e.g., MacKay, 1963, 1966; Powers, 1973 a, 1973b; Wiener, 1948). Ours is a theo ry of the control of beha vior, but not a theo ry of motor control per se. It is a theo ry of intentions and actions, but not a theory of cognition or comprehension. We believe, however , that the ideas that we have been using are eminentl y compatible with currently popular theories concerning motor control (see, e.g.-so believe that the point of view we have adopted allows us to usefully address certain issues that traditionally have been approached from rather discrete and restricted theoretical perspectives. Thu s, we suggest that the theory serves to pull together divergent ideas and research literatures in a way that is intern ally consistent , pro viding an integration that we view as highly desirable. We begin this chapter by describing the assumptions of our model of self-regulation , and some of the research evidence that supports the model. We then discuss how the model can be applied to the anal ysis of a particular category of research and theoretical problems in personality-social psychology-responses to failure. In this context we compare our ideas with those of several other theori sts who have approached the same phenomena from different directions. Finally, we discuss some of the implications of this approach for understanding ineffective self-management and the process of behavior change .