Which of the following is not a technique of self control?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Self actualisation

Learning to delay or defer the gratification of needs is called self-control, and three psychological techniques of self-control have been suggested.

Option (1) Observation of own behaviour — A technique of self-control. It provides the information needed to change, modify or strengthen certain aspects of the self.

Option (2) Self reinforcement — A technique of self-control. It involves rewarding behaviours that have pleasant outcomes, such as going to a movie with friends after doing well in an examination.

Option (3) Self instruction — A technique of self-control. We often instruct ourselves to do something and behave the way we want to, and such instructions are quite effective in self-regulation.

Option (4) Self actualisation — Not a technique of self-control. Self-actualisation is an innate or inborn force that moves the person to become more complex, balanced, and integrated. It is a drive towards growth, not a technique that a person applies to control her/his behaviour.

NCERT (2025-26): “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. For example, you may go to see a movie with friends, if you have done well in an examination. These techniques have been tried out and found quite effective with respect to self-regulation and self-control.”

“Humanistic-existential Therapy … Self-actualisation is defined as an innate or inborn force that moves the person to become more complex, balanced, and integrated, i.e. achieving the complexity and balance without being fragmented.…”