Self-regulatory failure: A review with clinical implications

Abstract

Empirical evaluations of therapies designed to improve self-regulatory skills have not as yet demonstrated their success as methods of ensuring long-lasting behavior change. The clinical use of concepts and procedures derived more from assumptions about the nature of self-regulation than from empirical evidence may be responsible for some of these outcomes. This paper demonstrates that a fine-grained, empirically-based, analysis of the active elements of “self-regulatory failure” is both possible and useful. Based on an examination of three literatures (successful vs. unsuccessful self-regulation; the relapse process; attention in self-regulation), eight components of self-regulatory failure are identified: depressogenic cognitions; difficulties coping with emotional Stressors; disengagement from habit change; social pressure; initial relapse episode; physiological pressure; problematic attentional focusing; and disengagement from self-monitoring. It is noted that further empirical work is necessary to specify probable patterns of interaction between these elements. One exception is discussed: it appears that many of the proposed elements can lead to disengagement of self-monitoring which, in turn, often precipitates a rapid failure to sustain effective self-regulation. Finally, a general strategy to prevent self-regulatory failure is discussed that accords well with this conceptualization—engaging in “obsessive-compulsive self-regulation.”