Self-control is an aspect of inhibitory control, one of the core executive functions. Executive functions are cognitive processes that are necessary for regulating one's behavior in order to achieve specific goals. Defined more independently, self-control is the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses. Thought to be like a muscle, acts of self-control expend a limited resource. In the short term, overuse of self-control leads to the depletion of that resource. However, in the long term, the use of self-control can strengthen and improve the ability to control oneself over time.

आत्मनियंत्रण किसी उद्देश्य की प्राप्ति या दंड से बचने के लिए प्रदर्शित की गई भावना, कामना और व्यवहार पर नियंत्रण की क्षमता है। मनोविज्ञान में इसे स्वनियंत्रण भी कहा गया है।