Self-control and Morality

In this chapter, the authors highlight neglected connections between morality and self-control. To this end, they first note the areas of connectedness. They then argue that self-control research may benefit from a better understanding of the ethical/moral nature of many self-control domains. This includes aspects such as prosocial motives involved in self-control conflicts; moral emotions such as guilt and pride; (societal) moralization dynamics and self-control; and the relation to well-being and happiness. They also argue that morality research, typically emphasizing aspects of moral cognition and emotion, may benefit from incorporating motivational concepts from self-control research.