Learning Objective:
- To understand the contagious nature of self-control and recognize the potential for positive influence on oneself and others.
Introduction:
Self-control is not only a personal attribute but also a contagious phenomenon that can greatly impact those around us. Research from the University of Georgia has shown that observing individuals with good self-control can inspire and enhance the self-control efforts of others. Similarly, individuals with poor self-control can influence others negatively. The effect is so powerful, in fact, that seeing the name of someone with good or bad self-control flashing on a screen for just 10 milliseconds changed the behavior of volunteers. This lesson explores the contagious nature of self-control and highlights the power of positive social influences.
- Share the findings of the University of Georgia study on the contagiousness of self-control.
- Discuss how observing or thinking about someone with good self-control can inspire and increase self-control in oneself.
- Explain that self-control is not limited to specific behaviors, but it can have a positive influence on various areas of life, such as financial goals, career aspirations, and personal growth.
- Emphasize the importance of choosing positive social influences to enhance self-control.
Picking social influences that are positive can improve your self-control.
Reflecting on Positive Influences:
People tend to mimic the behaviors of others around them and characteristics such as smoking, drug use, and obesity tend to spread through social networks. But vanDellen’s study showed that self-control is actually contagious across behaviors. That means that thinking about someone who exercises self-control by regularly exercising, for example, can make you more likely to stick with your financial goals, career goals or anything else that takes self-control on your part.
By exhibiting self-control, you’re helping others around you do the same.
Michelle vanDellen
Group Discussion Questions:
Ask students to think of someone in their life who consistently demonstrates self-control in a particular aspect (e.g., exercise, healthy eating, managing finances).
- How does this person exhibit self-control in their daily life?
- What admirable qualities do you see in their ability to demonstrate self-control?
- In what ways does their self-control influence your own decisions and ability to exercise self-control?
- Reflect on your own efforts of self-control. In what ways are you currently exercising self-control?
- How does your ability to regulate your behaviors impact others, such as friends and family?
Conclusion:
- Summarize the concept of self-control being contagious and its potential positive influence on ourselves and others.
- Encourage students to continue observing and surrounding themselves with individuals who demonstrate self-control in different areas of life.
- Emphasize that by cultivating self-control, we can inspire and support others in their pursuit of self-improvement.
- Reinforce the idea that our actions and self-control efforts can have a ripple effect, fostering a positive environment and encouraging others to develop their self-control abilities.