Personality Processes in Self-Regulatory Flexibility

Self-regulatory flexibility refers to the context-dependent use of self-regulatory strategies to manage conflicts in self-control. Theoretical models of regulatory flexibility from neighboring fields, such as emotion regulation and coping, have been adapted to the self-control context. In addition, recent self-control models have incorporated notions of flexibility. This chapter reviews these models and the relevant empirical findings on the role of regulatory flexibility in the domain of self-control. In addition, we discuss polyregulation as a potential instance of regulatory flexibility. Empirical research suggests that different aspects of flexibility may contribute to self-control success in daily life. However, many open questions remain concerning the prevalence, adaptiveness, and importance of flexible regulation compared to other predictors of regulatory success. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research.