A hot/cool-system analysis of delay of gratification: dynamics of willpower.
A 2-system framework is proposed for understanding the processes that enable--and undermine--self-control or "willpower" as exemplified in the delay of gratification paradigm. A cool, cognitive "know" system and a hot, emotional "go" system are postulated. The cool system is cognitive, emotionally neutral, contemplative, flexible, integrated, coherent, spatiotemporal, slow, episodic, and strategic. It is the seat of self-regulation and self-control. The hot system is the basis of emotionality, fears as well as passions--impulsive and reflexive--initially controlled by innate releasing stimuli (and, thus, literally under "stimulus control"): it is fundamental for emotional (classical) conditioning and undermines efforts at self-control. The balance between the hot and cool systems is determined by stress, developmental level, and the individual's self-regulatory dynamics. The interactions between these systems allow explanation of findings on willpower from 3 decades of research.
Metcalfe
J
J
Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA. metcalfe@psych.columbia.edu
Mischel
W
W
D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D019455:Self Psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological