INHIBITORY CONTROL Meaning and
Definition
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Inhibitory control refers to the cognitive ability to suppress or restrain automatic or prepotent responses or actions in order to achieve a desired goal or outcome. It involves the ability to inhibit or override dominant or habitual responses in favor of more appropriate or adaptive ones. Inhibitory control is a fundamental aspect of executive functioning and self-regulation, which are crucial for effective decision-making, impulse control, and behavioral adjustment.
This cognitive process allows individuals to resist distractions, temptations, or impulses that may interfere with their intended actions or goals. It requires the suppression of automatic or habitual responses, such as withholding an inappropriate comment or resisting the urge to touch a hot stove. Inhibitory control is involved in children learning to follow rules, delay gratification, or pay attention in classroom settings.
The neurocognitive mechanisms underlying inhibitory control are complex and involve various brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. Deficits in inhibitory control have been associated with a wide range of psychological and behavioral disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addictive behaviors, impulsive aggression, and poor decision-making.
Enhancing inhibitory control is a target of various interventions and training programs aimed at improving self-control, self-regulation, and overall executive functioning. These interventions typically involve activities that challenge and strengthen an individual's ability to inhibit automatic responses, such as inhibiting eye movements when viewing distracting stimuli or suppressing impulsive urges during decision-making tasks.
Etymology of INHIBITORY CONTROL
The etymology of the term "inhibitory control" can be traced by examining the roots of each word:
1. Inhibitory: The word "inhibitory" is derived from the Latin verb "inhibere", where "in-" means "not" or "into" and "hibere" means "to hold". Thus, "inhibitory" refers to something that holds back or restricts.
2. Control: The word "control" comes from the Latin noun "contrarotulus", which means a counter roll or duplicate register used to check accounts. Over time, "control" came to imply authority or mastery over something.
Therefore, "inhibitory control" refers to the ability to suppress or restrain certain thoughts, actions, or impulses, exercising authority over them. This term is commonly used in psychology and neuroscience to describe a cognitive function related to self-regulation and self-control.
