Epstein, R. (1997).
Skinner as self-manager.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
30, 545-568.
B. F. Skinner was a remarkably productive, creative, and happy
individual, in large part because of his expertise in
self-management, a set of self-change skills that derive to some
extent from his own scientific and theoretical work. Skinner's
ardent defense of determinism appears to conflict with his views
on self-control; although determinism can be reconciled with
these views, we would be best served by dispensing with the
"sm" and focusing instead on relevant data and
data-driven theories. Contemporary research on self-control has
diverged from Skinner's formulation in a number of ways,
especially in focusing on cognition and choice. The extraordinary
success Skinner had in applying self-management principles to his
life should inspire us to take a closer look at the potential
value such principles may have for society.
DESCRIPTORS: B. F. Skinner, self-control, self-management