The more irritants and conflicts a person has, the less effective the part of the brain responsible for control is. Such conclusion was made by the experts from the University of Iowa. They also believe that in stress situations the activity of the cerebral cortex is reduced and we realize that we need to control ourselves, but we can not do it.
Neuroscientist William Hedgecock said self-control is ‘running out’ when used regularly. And next time, faced with a stimulus, people are unlikely to show it.
Having scanned the part of the brain responsible for self-control during critical situations, the researchers found out that the anterior cingulate gyrus of the brain is turned on when the person is irritated and requires self-control. However, a part of the cerebral cortex reduces its activity, not to interfere with ‘producing patience’.
Currently, the researchers are working on how to ‘develop’ patience. The scientists believe their discovery will help in the treatment of certain addictions when people are simply unable to overcome their cravings.
By the way, this study disproves the, until now, popular theory that self-control can be trained, as muscles. According to the scientists, we need to study our brain deeply to help maintain self-control.
