PsychologySelf and Personality

Which technique of self-control involves telling oneself what to do a…

Which technique of self-control involves telling oneself what to do and how to behave in a desired manner?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (1) → Self-instruction

Option	Reason
Option (1): Self-instruction. Correct.	Self-instruction is a technique of self-control. We instruct ourselves to do something and behave the way we want to, and such instructions are quite effective in self-regulation.
Option (2): Self-reinforcement. Incorrect.	Self-reinforcement is the third technique of self-control. It involves rewarding behaviours that have pleasant outcomes, such as a movie with friends after a good examination.
Option (3): Self-monitoring. Incorrect.	Self-monitoring is the ability to change behaviour according to the demands of the external environment. A person high on it adjusts to each situation.
Option (4): Self-regulation. Incorrect.	Self-regulation is our ability to organise and monitor our own behaviour. It is the broad ability that several psychological techniques help to strengthen.

NCERT (2026-27): “Self-regulation …
A number of psychological techniques of self-control have also been suggested. Observation of own behaviour is one of them. This provides us with necessary information that may be used to change, modify, or strengthen certain aspects of self. Self-instruction is another important technique. We often instruct ourselves to do something and behave the way we want to. Such instructions are quite effective in self-regulation. Self-reinforcement is the third technique. This involves rewarding behaviours that have pleasant outcomes. …”