Framework · Charles Carver and Michael Scheier

Control theory — self-regulation as a feedback loop

We regulate behaviour by comparing where we are with where we want to be, acting to reduce the gap, and checking again.

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We regulate behaviour by comparing where we are with where we want to be, acting to reduce the gap, and checking again.

How to use it with a real habit

• Track the behaviour.
• Compare it with your plan weekly.
• Adjust one thing.

What the evidence says

Conceptual framework: A way of organising ideas that helps you think clearly. It describes rather than predicts, so it is judged by how useful it is.

A conceptual framework underpinning monitoring and feedback techniques, which themselves have strong support.

Limits

• Describes the loop rather than telling you what to change.

Sources

• Carver & Scheier (1982). Control theory: A useful conceptual framework for personality–social, clinical, and health psychology. Psychological Bulletin. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.92.1.111
• Harkin, Webb, Chang, Prestwich, Conner, Kellar, Benn & Sheeran (2016). Does monitoring goal progress promote goal attainment? A meta-analysis of the experimental evidence. Psychological Bulletin. doi:10.1037/bul0000025