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Related Concept Videos

Self-Regulation01:25

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation, also known as self-control, encompasses a range of cognitive and behavioral processes that allow individuals to adjust their internal states and outward actions to align with socially acceptable norms and long-term goals. It plays a fundamental role in adaptive functioning, from resisting impulsive behaviors to persisting through challenging tasks. While its benefits are widely recognized, self-regulation is not limitless. Muraven and Baumeister's theory posits that...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
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Self-control in decision-making involves modulation of the vmPFC valuation system.

Todd A Hare1, Colin F Camerer, Antonio Rangel

  • 1Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA. thare@hss.caltech.edu

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 2, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Self-control in decision-making relies on the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) for value signals. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) modulates these signals, aiding in choosing healthier options.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Decision Science

Background:

  • Optimal decision-making often involves choosing long-term benefits over immediate gratification.
  • Self-control is crucial for navigating choices between superior long-term goals and inferior immediate temptations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of self-control in decision-making.
  • To test hypotheses regarding the roles of ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in self-control.

Main Methods:

  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed to observe brain activity.
  • Participants, including dieters, made real-time food consumption choices.

Main Results:

  • vmPFC activity correlated with goal values, integrating taste and health information in self-controllers.
  • DLPFC activity increased during self-control exertion and showed correlation with vmPFC activity.

Conclusions:

  • vmPFC serves as a common neural basis for value signals in goal-directed decisions.
  • DLPFC plays a key role in modulating these value signals to facilitate self-control and goal adherence.