Abstract
Self-regulation (SR) is an important human function that relates to quality of life in multiple domains including mental health. Previous studies have found important correlates of low SR including impulsivity and poor emotional regulation; however, underpinnings of low SR are incompletely understood. Individuals low in SR frequently engage in maladaptive behaviors (substance abuse, procrastination, etc.) despite negative consequences. This phenomenon suggests that impaired learning from errors and punishments may be important mechanisms underlying low SR. Consistently, previous studies observed impaired error processing in a wide spectrum of individuals with low SR and impaired learning from errors and punishments in SR-related disorders. We also note a possible role for poor emotional regulation and refer to concepts suggesting that engaging in maladaptive behaviors may serve as short term emotion regulation strategies aimed at avoiding or alleviating negative affect. We speculate on transdiagnostic factors underlying poor SR. We propose that impaired error processing (possibly related to striatal functioning) may prevent subjects with low SR from learning from errors and punishments and thus learning better SR skills or tendencies. Additionally, impaired coping in emotionally challenging situations, possibly related to prefrontal-cortical functioning, may lead to maladaptive avoidance. Moreover, maladaptive behaviors may be reinforced by the temporary decreases in negative affect and rewarding values of behaviors. Given existing knowledge gaps, we call for more extensive research and describe possible directions and challenges for future studies.
Highlights
Self-regulation (SR) is an important human ability or tendency, with the former relating more to cognitive functioning and the latter more to behavioral traits
We believe that research addressing learning from negative consequences and coping in negative situations in disorders characterized by low SR may eventually contribute to the improvement of existing and/or development of new therapeutic approaches
The understanding of individual differences, especially concerning SR, in processes underlying learning based on errors and punishment and avoidance learning is still developing; the model may currently be considered speculative
Summary
Self-regulation (SR) is an important human ability or tendency, with the former relating more to cognitive functioning and the latter more to behavioral traits. Amplitude of the ERN component related to degree of startle, consistent with a recent study in which assessments of error sensitivity (i.e., the fear of making mistakes) was correlated with ERN measures in children [21] These results suggest that errors may be less salient and arousing in individuals with lower ERNs. A study of impulsivity employing a flanker task with separated reward and punishment conditions found impulsive subjects to exhibit low ERN components in punishment trials [22]. Maladaptive avoidance tendencies may reflect strategies developed to compensate for poor coping in response to challenging situations (for example, to decrease stress when exams approach, students could play computer games instead of studying) Both maladaptive avoidance and impaired learning from errors and punishments may indicate impaired cognitive and behavioral control during emotionally challenging situations in which negative emotions and/or threat of punishment are experienced or anticipated
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