What term describes the ability to control impulses and delay gratification?

The term that best describes the ability to control impulses and delay gratification is self-regulation. Self-regulation involves managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in various situations, allowing a person to respond appropriately rather than reacting impulsively. It incorporates both the ability to control impulses in the moment and the capacity to set and follow through with long-term goals or plans, which often require delaying immediate rewards for greater future benefits.

Self-discipline is related but tends to emphasize the enforcement of rules and structure to achieve specific outcomes, while self-control focuses more specifically on resisting immediate temptations. Self-esteem, on the other hand, refers to an individual’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value, which does not directly pertain to impulse control or gratification delay. Therefore, self-regulation comprehensively encapsulates the processes of impulse control and the ability to delay gratification effectively.