What is inhibition? How does inhibition relate to early executive functioning?
- SAB.
- Jun 15, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 19, 2020
Inhibition is known in psychology as attention, perception, and behaviors relating to self-control. Psychologists call the management of these collective behaviors “inhibition control.” Studies and tests, even simple ones like the famous “marshmallow test,” reveal how gaining control over these behaviors from an early age can either be detrimental to an individual, or turn out to be their most valuable skill.
You may have seen variations of the “marshmallow test” circulating on social media, but the original requires children to sit in a room with a marshmallow in front of them. The researcher tells them that they are going to leave the room and instructs the child not to eat them until they come back. If they do not eat the marshmallow, they are given a second. If they do eat it, they are not given a second. They then followed up with the children from the initial test when they are in their 40’s, and more self-control tasks are conducted. The individuals who resisted eating the marshmallow in their childhood revealed better self control in their 40’s as well. Therefore, developing these skills early on helps them to persist later into adulthood.
Knowing all of this, you may wonder why self-control is so important. Well, self-control strengthens executive functioning, which you may have read about in my previous posts. Self-control is crucial in particularly learning how to plan ahead, problem solve, make decisions, maintain attention and direction, regulate emotion, and control behavior. Some problems that can result from low self-control and hence low executive functioning include:
Reading Disability
Reading requires a high memory capacity, and working on self-control can help develop working memory. Additionally, reading skills are developed through frequent exposure to words and language. Without the self-control to pay attention to more difficult tasks like learning words and language, reading skills suffer. Active engagement in learning material suffers as well which can lead to further learning impairment throughout life.
Increased likelihood to be involved in Crime
Low self-control is one of but not the only factor associated with deviance.
Low self-control can lead to impulsivity, avoidance of difficult tasks, tendency to take risks, prefers not to sit still and use mental energy, is more self-centered, and loses temper easily.
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