Critique of Academic Examination Stress Impairs Self-Control
Critique of
Academic Examination Stress Impairs Self-Control
By
Meagan Oaten and Jen Cheng (2005)
Introduction
Self-control is a human trait that we all possess. It is highly adaptive, and gives one the ability to “control or alter their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors” (Oaten & Cheng, 2005, p. 254). Self-regulation plays a part in how prominent success is in college students. I have seen many friends fail out due to the lack of this trait. I examined an article written by Megan Oaten and Ken Cheng. “Academic Examination Stress Impairs Self-Control” is a research study aimed to determine whether stress, particularly academic stress brought on my exams, would impair regulatory behavior by consuming self-control strength. They hypothesize that one possess a certain, limited, strength to control and override behaviors. The researchers describe this self-control strength as limited, and when it is consumed or depleted (by stress or increased use) impairment of regulatory behaviors occurs. The article explores aspects of self-control, including the strength one requires to overcome habits and impulses, as well as how stress from everyday activities, in particular, academic exams, impairs self-control (Oaten & Cheng). Impaired self-control is abundant in society today. For example, I knew I should have had fruit and cereal for breakfast, but the chocolate chip muffin tasted so much better. It does not always result from cravings, but stress can alter control as well. Stress comes from all over with increased pressure from professors, parents, peers and co-workers. I chose this article due particularly to the high levels of stress I experience in my own life. One main goal for this course is to become healthy, confident and happy in the path of my life. My impulsivity along with reduced self-control has led to negative outcomes over the past years. In analyzing and critiquing this
Academic Examination Stress Impairs Self-Control
By
Meagan Oaten and Jen Cheng (2005)
Introduction
Self-control is a human trait that we all possess. It is highly adaptive, and gives one the ability to “control or alter their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors” (Oaten & Cheng, 2005, p. 254). Self-regulation plays a part in how prominent success is in college students. I have seen many friends fail out due to the lack of this trait. I examined an article written by Megan Oaten and Ken Cheng. “Academic Examination Stress Impairs Self-Control” is a research study aimed to determine whether stress, particularly academic stress brought on my exams, would impair regulatory behavior by consuming self-control strength. They hypothesize that one possess a certain, limited, strength to control and override behaviors. The researchers describe this self-control strength as limited, and when it is consumed or depleted (by stress or increased use) impairment of regulatory behaviors occurs. The article explores aspects of self-control, including the strength one requires to overcome habits and impulses, as well as how stress from everyday activities, in particular, academic exams, impairs self-control (Oaten & Cheng). Impaired self-control is abundant in society today. For example, I knew I should have had fruit and cereal for breakfast, but the chocolate chip muffin tasted so much better. It does not always result from cravings, but stress can alter control as well. Stress comes from all over with increased pressure from professors, parents, peers and co-workers. I chose this article due particularly to the high levels of stress I experience in my own life. One main goal for this course is to become healthy, confident and happy in the path of my life. My impulsivity along with reduced self-control has led to negative outcomes over the past years. In analyzing and critiquing this