A hot/cool-system analysis of delay of gratification: Dynamics of willpower

A 2-system framework is proposed for understanding the processes that enabl e-and undermine-self-control or "willpower" as exemplified in the delay of gratification paradigm. A cool, cognitive "know" system and a hot, emotiona l "go" system are postulated. The cool system is cognitive, emotionally neu tral, contemplative, flexible, integrated, coherent, spatiotemporal, slow, episodic, and strategic. It is the seat of self-regulation and self-control . The hot system is the basis of emotionality, fears as well as passions-im pulsive and reflexive-initially controlled by innate releasing stimuli (and , thus, literally under "stimulus control"); it is fundamental for emotiona l (classical) conditioning and undermines efforts at self-control. The bala nce between the hot and cool systems is determined by stress, developmental level, and the individual's self-regulatory dynamics. The interactions bet ween these systems allow explanation of findings on willpower from 3 decade s of research.