Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Just Sayin' No, That's Enough: Self-Control

Just Sayin' No, That's Enough: Self-Control


Amen!  Thankfully, Gus learned self-control...the hard way, but the nevertheless he grasped it.  A 2012 study, Religion Replenishes Self-Control, identified self-control as the capacity to suppress personally desirable behaviors (e.g., taking a nap) or impulses (e.g., lashing out in anger at other people) to bring behaviors in line with more socially acceptable goals and standards (e.g., helping with the harvest). The experimental work showing a link between religion and self-control has often involved indirect tests of this relationship.  In this study, the authors investigated the outcomes of employing religious tenets and their impact on individuals’ self-control.  God-related concepts were implemented in participants without their conscious awareness.  Four experiments were conducted to tests participants’ capacity to endure discomfort; delayed gratification; persistence with and without ego depletion; and ruling out alternative explanations. These experiments reported two key concepts: that self-control is the central psychological pillar that makes adaptive behaviors possible; and that religion serves as an effective cultural mechanism for regulating self-control, a mechanism that allowed human ancestors to make evolutionarily adaptive decisions despite harsh environmental challenges.  For example, in which participants were less likely to cheat in a game when they were primed with the concept of an angry, punishing God than when they were primed with the concept of a loving and forgiving God; it may be argued that bringing the possibility of the punishing aspects of God to participants’ attention increased their self-control, which discouraged them from cheating. 
            This research creates a spotlight on the impact of institutional structure concepts as religion and ultimately how it creates a sense of accountability.  With the given example, the participant’s lowered inclination to cheat is a direct of their allegiance to God.  Christian scriptures such as Titus 1:7-8 (ESV), speaks to this allegiance and the ways that believers should conduct themselves.  Furthermore, such allegiance in the religious context may help create healthy boundaries that increase the potential for wellness of life.  To that end, I believe that bad or displeasing behaviors are less likely to emerge because of the accountability factor that stems from having structure set in place.
            The research evokes a conscientious thought regarding adaptive behaviors because of the clarification of what it means to operate with self-control.  I believe that when applying that understanding to the Christian faith and everyday struggles with sin, one is able to draw from biblical ideals that resonate to our will power and a choice in our lifestyles.  Furthermore, the concept of control gives us the capacity to live at a functioning rate, because we have access to organized institutions which give us the freedom to say "no."




Rounding, K., Lee, A., Jacobson, J., & Ji, L. (2012). Religion Replenishes Self-Control. Psychological Science (Sage Publications Inc.), 23(6), 635-642. doi:10.1177/0956797611431987

6 comments:

  1. Corderius, I think at one point or another we all struggle with issues of exercising self-control. I am reminded of Gal 5:16-22 if we walk in the Spirit we will do what the Spirit directs us to do. Because we have a sin nature, it is easy for us to sometimes follow what our flesh is directing, but as you stated we must be willing to exercise self-control. I believe that the more we learn and understand God's word the more we will be able to exercise self-control. I am so grateful that God gives us the ability to say no and an avenue that takes us on a road of exercising self-control. Yes, some of us may take the road Gus took; however, no matter which road we take, God never leaves us and is always attentive to our needs. I enjoyed your post
    Be Blessed,
    Bridget

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bridget,

      Good scriptural reference. It allowed me be once again reminded how God's word really is alive. The reminders of the works of the flesh are indeed evident as I sit back at reminisce on the things that foolishly would get myself into when attempting to do things on my own. I appreciate the reference. Glad that you enjoyed the post.

      Delete
  2. Corderius,

    The reaction of the participants in the study was quite interesting and somewhat expected. Most people react to fear when they are contemplating doing something wrong, just as children react to spanking when contemplating disobeying their parents. The Bible mentions in several instances how the flesh and the spirit are at odds with each other. As believers, our only hope for doing the right thing even when no one is looking, is through the transformation and conviction of the spirit. The flesh will win the battle sometimes as long as we are in it but that will happen less and less as we progress in the sanctification stage of our journey with God. I remember this verse when I think of self control and I think it certainly applies, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all." John 6:63

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is very true. I believe the study spoke a lot of the conviction of those actually believe as well; because I would find it more expected for individuals to not care if they don't believe.

      Delete
  3. Aw, the video clip made my heart smile!! This video clip really captures the message you shared! Self control is a fruit of the spirit that I sometimes overlook. I need Christ to fill me with His Spirit so that I may possess self control. I find that I can not have complete self control without the help of Jesus Christ. Without self control, we all will inevitably fall into temptation causing us to sin. I have noticed that if I start my day off with the Lord and have constant communication with Him, my self control is strengthened and temptation is conquered through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad the video touched you. It's interesting how the "cheesy" things can have a nice impact on us. I believe it yet another indication of how big our God is.

      I definitely agree with you regarding the overlooking of self-control. I too realize how different my days are when I (intentionally) submit them to the Spirit.

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.