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Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control

In the present article, we argue that it may be fruitful to incorporate the ideas of the strength model of self-control into the core assumptions of the well-established attentional control theory (ACT). In ACT, it is assumed that anxiety automatically leads to attention disruption and increased dis...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Englert, Chris, Bertrams, Alex
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Frontiers Media S.A. 2015
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4468374/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26136712
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00824
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author Englert, Chris
Bertrams, Alex
author_facet Englert, Chris
Bertrams, Alex
author_sort Englert, Chris
collection PubMed
description In the present article, we argue that it may be fruitful to incorporate the ideas of the strength model of self-control into the core assumptions of the well-established attentional control theory (ACT). In ACT, it is assumed that anxiety automatically leads to attention disruption and increased distractibility, which may impair subsequent cognitive or perceptual-motor performance, but only if individuals do not have the ability to counteract this attention disruption. However, ACT does not clarify which process determines whether one can volitionally regulate attention despite experiencing high levels of anxiety. In terms of the strength model of self-control, attention regulation can be viewed as a self-control act depending on the momentary availability of self-control strength. We review literature that has revealed that self-control strength moderates the anxiety–performance relationship, discuss how to integrate these two theoretical models, and offer practical recommendations of how to counteract negative anxiety effects.
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spelling pubmed-44683742015-07-01 Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control Englert, Chris Bertrams, Alex Front Psychol Psychology In the present article, we argue that it may be fruitful to incorporate the ideas of the strength model of self-control into the core assumptions of the well-established attentional control theory (ACT). In ACT, it is assumed that anxiety automatically leads to attention disruption and increased distractibility, which may impair subsequent cognitive or perceptual-motor performance, but only if individuals do not have the ability to counteract this attention disruption. However, ACT does not clarify which process determines whether one can volitionally regulate attention despite experiencing high levels of anxiety. In terms of the strength model of self-control, attention regulation can be viewed as a self-control act depending on the momentary availability of self-control strength. We review literature that has revealed that self-control strength moderates the anxiety–performance relationship, discuss how to integrate these two theoretical models, and offer practical recommendations of how to counteract negative anxiety effects. Frontiers Media S.A. 2015-06-16 /pmc/articles/PMC4468374/ /pubmed/26136712 http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00824 Text en Copyright © 2015 Englert and Bertrams. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
spellingShingle Psychology
Englert, Chris
Bertrams, Alex
Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control
title Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control
title_full Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control
title_fullStr Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control
title_full_unstemmed Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control
title_short Integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control
title_sort integrating attentional control theory and the strength model of self-control
topic Psychology
url https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4468374/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26136712
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00824
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