Self-control, morality, and human strength

Self-control refers to the self's ability to alter its own states and respo nses, and hence it is both key to adaptive success and central to virtuous behavior, especial ly insofar as the latter requires conforming to socially desirable standards instead of pursuing selfish goals. Recent evidence sug gests that self-control operates like a strength: It is weaker after an exe rtion, replenishes with rest, and slowly becomes stronger with repeated exe rcise. It has multiple links to personal well-being and reduced social prob lems.