Psychology of Willpower

 Willpower is the ability of a person to accomplish what they intend to accomplish.

Although psychologists use the term willpower, much of the research is under the concept of self-control. See the self-control entry.

Key features of the willpower concept are:

The ability to regulate thoughts, feelings, and impulses so they do not interfere with one's activities.

The ability to delay gratification in order to reach more important goals.

Willpower requires effort which can deplete a person's willpower.

A useful summary of willpower research can be found in the book, Willpower, by Baumeister and Tierney (2011).

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Measuring Self-Control - Links to Scales

Self-Control, Single Item Scale

Brief Self-Control Scale

Reference

Baumeister, R., & Tierney, J. (2011) Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. New York: Penguin Press. See Review