Willpower is a form of, but not synonymous with, self-control

Behav Brain Sci. 2021 Apr 26:44:e44. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X20000783.

Abstract

We build on Ainslie's discussion of willpower by highlighting another common misconception in the literature: the conflation of self-control and willpower. In our commentary, we identify this issue and discuss the importance of recognizing willpower not as synonymous with self-control, but rather as a subset of self-control. We describe a set of upstream strategies as more effective alternatives to willpower.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Self-Control*
  • Volition*