This article describes and compares the levels of self-control and impulsivity, key aspects of self-regulation, in three age groups to evaluate possible differences due to age; and at two times: September 2019 (n=190), a normal period, and September 2020 (n=199), a period with lockdown during the pandemic. It was found that self-control increases, and impulsivity decreases with increasing age. Also, improvidence impulsivity was higher during the pandemic, while compulsive urgency and self-control were lower than in 2019. In short, age is a relevant factor in explaining differences in self-regulation, and the COVID-19 restrictions led to a depletion of self-control and greater impulsivity in times of stress.

This article describes and compares the levels of self-control and impulsivity, key aspects of self-regulation, in three age groups to evaluate possible differences due to age; and at two times: September 2019 (n=190), a normal period, and September 2020 (n=199), a period with lockdown during the pandemic. It was found that self-control increases, and impulsivity decreases with increasing age. Also, improvidence impulsivity was higher during the pandemic, while compulsive urgency and self-control were lower than in 2019. In short, age is a relevant factor in explaining differences in self-regulation, and the COVID-19 restrictions led to a depletion of self-control and greater impulsivity in times of stress.

This article describes and compares the levels of self-control and impulsivity, key aspects of self-regulation, in three age groups to evaluate possible differences due to age; and at two times: September 2019 (n=190), a normal period, and September 2020 (n=199), a period with lockdown during the pandemic. It was found that self-control increases, and impulsivity decreases with increasing age. Also, improvidence impulsivity was higher during the pandemic, while compulsive urgency and self-control were lower than in 2019. In short, age is a relevant factor in explaining differences in self-regulation, and the COVID-19 restrictions led to a depletion of self-control and greater impulsivity in times of stress.

Self-control is a relevant concept for understanding human behavior across different areas of life. It is associated with positive aspects in various domains and has a pragmatic value as a prerequisite for the successful achievement of long-term goals. In this regard, there are different theories and approaches to the study of self-control. Gaining a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms involved in this capacity could guide the design of more effective strategies to foster its development across different contexts. This narrative review article focuses on an updated overview of two of the main theoretical models of this construct, identifying potential similarities and differences. First, Roy F. Baumeister’s model proposes that self-control is a limited resource similar to a muscle. Self-control fatigue is known as “ego depletion”. Second, Kentaro Fujita’s model s...

Self-control is a relevant concept for understanding human behavior across different areas of life. It is associated with positive aspects in various domains and has a pragmatic value as a prerequisite for the successful achievement of long-term goals. In this regard, there are different theories and approaches to the study of self-control. Gaining a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms involved in this capacity could guide the design of more effective strategies to foster its development across different contexts. This narrative review article focuses on an updated overview of two of the main theoretical models of this construct, identifying potential similarities and differences. First, Roy F. Baumeister’s model proposes that self-control is a limited resource similar to a muscle. Self-control fatigue is known as “ego depletion”. Second, Kentaro Fujita’s model s...