Self-Regulation & Defending the Self

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to self-regulation, emotions, and coping mechanisms.

Self-Regulation

The process by which established self affects, and regulates thoughts, emotions and behavior.

Emotions

Complex experiences comprised of thoughts, feelings, biological reactions, and behavioral intentions.

Appraisal

An interpretation of an event that serves as a cognitive basis for emotions.

Regulatory Focus Theory

Deals with personal standards for different kinds of desired selves.

Ideal Self

Associated with promotion focus and positive outcomes (happiness vs. sadness).

Ought Self

Associated with prevention focus and avoiding negative outcomes (relief vs. anxiety).

Ego-depletion

The state of diminished resources for self-regulation due to prior exertion.

Self-affirmation

Any action or event that enhances one’s sense of personal integrity; can restore the effect of ego-depletion.

Learned Helplessness

A state of perceived lack of control over one's environment, leading to depressive attributional style.

Emotion-focused coping

Involves strategies like escape, downplaying significance, self-affirmation, and self-expression to manage emotions.

Problem-focused coping

Involves strategies like excuses, justifications, self-handicapping and control to manage problems instead of emotions.

Self-efficacy

Confidence in our ability to produce the outcomes we desire.

Counterfactual Thinking

How an outcome might have turned out differently.