A Theory of Self-regulation: Action versus State Orientation, Self-discrimination, and Some Applications

Cet article resume les theories et les recherches relatives aux activites mentales qui se dissocient du choix conscient. Contrairement a d'autres processus incontrolables (automatiques), ces activities font de lourds prelevement sur des ressources limitees. Les predispositions aux dissociations incontrolables, variables selon les individus, sont apprehendees a partir du trait de personnalite“orientation vers l‘etat mental ou vers l'action”. On presente trois theories solidaires qui pretendent introduire a une comprehension plus profonde des cognitions intentionnellement incontrolables. Le champ des effets comportementaux des cognitions non intentionnelles est sensiblement elargi par l'integration de la theorie de l'orientation dans une autre theorie, plus vaste, de l'autoregulation. Les antecedents proches et eloignes des cognitions incontrolables peuvent etre mieux compris grâce a une theorie de l'autodiscrimination qui explique les dissociations orientees vers l’etat mental a partir d'une interiorisation erronee des attentes, des desirs et des croyances des autres. On discute enfin des applications de ces theories a la clinique, a l‘education et aux organisations. This article summarises theory and research concerning mental activities that are dissociated from an individual's current self-chosen intention. Unlike other uncontrollable (“automatic”) processes, these activities place heavy demands on limited-capacity resources. Individual differences in the disposition to have uncontrollable dissociations are discussed in terms of the personality construct action vs. state orientation. Three nested theories are described that purport to provide a deeper understanding of intentionally uncontrollable mental cognitions. The scope of behavioural effects of unintended cognitions is substantially enlarged by integrating the theory of state orientation in a comprehensive theory of self-regulation. Proximal and distal antecedents of uncontrollable cognitions can be better understood on the basis of a theory of self-discrimination that explains state-oriented dissociations on the basis of false internalisation of others' beliefs, wishes, and expectations. Educational, clinical, and organisational applications of the theory are discussed.

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