Abstract: Self-control is defined as the capacity to override natural and automatic tendencies; and to conscious control one’s behavior. The strength model of self-control suggests that the exertion of self-control depends on a limited resource. Research has supported the strength model in the domains of impulsive behaviors, interpersonal processes, decision making and judgments. Factors that appear to have impact on the self control strength include personality, emotion, motivation and self-control programs. It is necessary to identify the difference between fatigue and ego depletion and to access the contributions of motivation and beliefs in self control in the future research. Finding a reliable way to improve self-control in real world settings would be another helpful direction for further work.

Key words: self control, strength model, ego depletion, dual-task paradigm