Inhibition is a word that describes how people control impulses. It is the ability to stop, think, plan, and then act—the very things most of us do to help control ourselves. Recent research suggests that the development of self-control and willpower is influenced by our brain development as well as learning and upbringing. Why are inhibition skills so important? In social situations, like a classroom or playground, being able to delay a response could mean the difference between getting along with others and getting in frequent fights. Equally important, studies have shown that those children (and adults) who can inhibit impulses actually learn more and remember information better and for longer periods of time. Think about it. After receiving information, someone who is able to wait to respond can “break down” the information received to better analyze it, and then, is able to reassemble the bits of information in a nearly infinite number of ways to choose a response that is the most adaptive or successful for that moment. Consider this example: Josh is seated at his desk, listening to the teacher begin to describe an interesting class project. The teacher has assembled many intriguing “hands on” materials for the project. However, Josh is fascinated with the items and is not able to inhibit his impulses. He is eager to explore the items and is out of his seat, touching the materials and talking about them. He misses relevant background information related to the project, as well as important directions that he will need to complete his part of the assignment.
Rainbow120's Blog 
Leave a comment