Module: Psychology of Self Control

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Psychology of Self Control
Module Code	PSY1054 (ITS: PSYC410)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the main biopsychosocial models of healthy and unhealthy self-control, in terms of sensory, cognitive, behavioural and emotion regulation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the developmental trajectory of self-control and executive function, as well as consideration of the socio-economic consequences of dysfunctional self-control such as health, education, and criminality. Students will also consider different explanatory levels including neural, psychological and social correlates of healthy and unhealthy self-control.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate key biopsychosocial theories of self-control
2. Outline development trajectories of healthy and unhealthy self-control
3. Identify and analyse key genotypes and endophenotypes associated with self-control
4. Critically evaluate factors influencing the development, and maintenance of self-control
5. Evaluate methods used to re-train self-control
6. Consider the socio-economic consequences of dysfunctional self-control

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Lecture based on indicative content; Asynchronous and synchronous format (in person); active listening and engagement with lecture material
Seminars	4	Synchronous moderator-led seminars (in person)
Online activity	5	Loop Discussion Fora
Independent Study	94	Independent Study preparation for seminars and assessment.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20976	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lorraine Boran	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Focused Literature Review and Intervention Report	70%	n/a
Assignment	Video Presentation (Tell it Straight)	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Definitions and biopsychosocial theories of self-control

Self-control and executive function

Developmental trajectory of healthy and unhealthy self-control

Genetics of Self-Control

Cognitive and Brain Endophenotypes of Self-control

Dysfunctional Self-control

Self-control and handicapping cognitions and behaviour

Promoting Self-control: Resilience, Optimism and Mindset

Re-training Self-control: Executive Function Training

Socio-economics of dysfunctional self-control

Indicative Reading List

Books:

CARVER, C. S., & SCHEIER, M. F.: 2001, ON THE SELF-REGULATION OF BEHAVIOR., CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS.,
Carver, C.S. & Scheier, M.F.: 1981, Attention and Self-Regulation: A control theory approach to human behavior., Springer Verlag, New York.,
De Ridder, L., Adriaanse, K.F.: 2017, Routledge International Handbook of Self Control in Health and Wellbeing., Taylor & Francis,
Gross, J.J.: 2013, Handbook of emotion regulation, 2nd, The Guilford Press, London,
Jutta Heckhausen (Editor), Carol S. Dweck (Editor): 2009, Motivation and Self-Regulation across the Life Span, Cambridge University Press, 472, 0521101484
Vohs, K.D., Baumeister, R.F.: 2016, Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory and applications, 3rd, The Guilford Press, London,
Anderson, J.R.: 2005, Cognitive psychology and its implications, Open University Press, Maidenhead,
Baddeley, A.D.: 2007, Working memory, thought and action, Oxford University Press, New York,
Carlson, N.R.: 2010, Physiology of behaviour, 10th, Allyn & Bacon, Boston, MA,
Conway, A.R.A., Jarrold, C., Kane, M.J., Miyake, A.& Towse, J.N. (Eds): 2007, Variation in working memory, Oxford University Press, New York,
Eysenck, M., & Keane, M.: 2015, Cognitive psychology: A student's handbook, 7th, Psychology Press, Hove,
Kalat, J.W.: 2009, Biological psychology, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Belmont, CA,
Kolb, B. & Whishaw, I.Q.: 2008, Fundamentals of human neuropsychology, 6th, Worth Publishers, New York,
Pinel, J.P.: 2011, Biopsychology, 8th, Pearson Education, Boston, MA,
Smith, E., & Kosslyn, S.: 2006, Cognitive psychology: Mind and brain, Pearson, London,
Quinlan, P. & Dyson, B.: 2008, Cognitive psychology, Psychology Press, Harlow, UK,
Reisberg, D: 2001, Cognition: Exploring the science of the mind, 2nd, Norton, New York,
Roche, R., & Commins, S.: 2009, Pioneering studies in cognitive neuroscience, Open University Press, London,
Sternberg, R.J.: 2003, Cognitive psychology, 3rd, Harcourt Brace, New York,
Styles, E.A.: 2006, The psychology of attention, 2nd, Psychology Press, Hove,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None