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Temporal Self-Regulation Theory: Integrating Biological, Psychological, and Ecological Determinants of Health Behavior Performance

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Abstract

Temporal self-regulation theory (TST) is an integrative model of individual health behavior that retains features of familiar social-cognitive models, but extends them to include neurobiological control resources and consideration of temporal factors in behavioral contingencies introduced by the ecological context in which the behavior occurs. The TST model posits that the intention-behavior link is subject to modification by executive control resources (i.e., inhibition, working memory, and attentional set shifting) and behavioral prepotency (i.e., habit strength, visceral appeal, or “default” status of the behavior). Intention itself is posited to be determined by the balance of costs and benefits of the behavior within a time-sensitive context, such that immediate factors are disproportionately influential. The TST model is intended to explain health protective behaviors, health risk behaviors, and single-occurrence choice behaviors that have relevance for health and wellbeing. Several links in the model are already supported by decades of research in behavioral economics, decision theory, social psychology, and cognitive neuroscience. In this chapter, we introduce the TST model, describe its linkages to each of these research disciplines, and provide recommendations for how it can guide intervention strategy in the field of public health.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada

    Peter A. Hall & Geoffrey T. Fong

  2. Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario, Canada

    Geoffrey T. Fong

Authors
  1. Peter A. Hall
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  2. Geoffrey T. Fong
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Peter A. Hall .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, University Avenue West 200, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, Ontario, Canada

    Peter A. Hall

Appendices

Highlights

  • Temporal self-regulation theory (TST) is a model of individual health behavior that incorporates cognitive resources and ecological factors.

  • TST posits that intention is a proximal predictor of behavior, but its influence is modulated by executive control resources and behavioral prepotency.

  • Temporal proximity of behavioral contingencies determines the need for self-regulatory resources, and the relative influence of prepotency.

  • In accordance with TST, public health initiatives will stand the best chance of success if they accomplish the following: support prepotency through strategic behavior cueing, encourage optimization of cognitive control resources, and systematically engineer social and physical environments to support desired behaviors.

Appendix A

Time Perspective Questionnaire-Alcohol Version (TPQ-A)

Consider each of the statements below. For each, indicate your level of agreement or disagreement by using the following scale.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Disagree very strongly

Disagree strongly

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Agree strongly

Agree very strongly

1.

Long-term sobriety is at least as important to me as the immediate pleasures of having a drink (e.g., getting a “buzz”, relaxation)

2.

I do not spend much time thinking about my long-term sobriety plans

3.

I have a good sense of how I can cut down my drinking now and in the future

4.

I spend a great deal of time thinking about how my present drinking habits will affect my life later on

5.

I never consider the long-term consequences of drinking when I decide to have a drink

6.

I do not have long-term sobriety plans

Appendix B

Time Perspective Questionnaire-Smoking Version (TPQ-S)

Consider each of the statements below. For each, indicate your level of agreement or disagreement by using the following scale.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Disagree very strongly

Disagree strongly

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Agree strongly

Agree very strongly

1.

Long-term quitting plans are at least as important to me as the immediate benefits of smoking (e.g., reduced craving, relaxation)

2.

I do not spend much time thinking about my long-term quitting plans

3.

I have a good sense of how I can cut down my smoking now and in the future

4.

I spend a great deal of time thinking about how my present smoking habits will affect my life later on

5.

I never consider the long-term consequences of smoking when I light up

6.

I do not have a long-term quit plan for smoking

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Hall, P.A., Fong, G.T. (2013). Temporal Self-Regulation Theory: Integrating Biological, Psychological, and Ecological Determinants of Health Behavior Performance. In: Hall, P. (eds) Social Neuroscience and Public Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6852-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6852-3_3

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